© Niclas Mäkelä
Mauri Kunnas
Author
Mauri Kunnas (b. 1950) is Finland’s most successful children’s book author today. He has published over 50 books, which have been translated into over 40 languages and sold nearly 10 million copies.
His books for children have aroused enormous interest around the world. The best-known book internationally is Santa Claus. The book has been translated into 29 languages and sold nearly two million copies. The sales of all Kunnas translations already exceed 2,5 million copies. Santa Claus is the bestselling Finnish title of all time, and the same Top 20 list included five more Mauri Kunnas titles.
Kunnas is also widely aprreciated by adults, particularly for his comics about The Beatles.
Mauri Kunnas offers the reader an unparalleled joy of discovery: his brilliantly coloured illustrations are filled with rich and humorous detail. He has an unrivalled gift for taking history and casting it in a new and hilarious way, as well as for giving old stories and legends his own delightful twist. His books always exude an atmosphere which is contagiously warm and happy.
“My most important hobby is my drawings and making up stories to go with them – and that’s also my work. I must be a lucky dog to be able to mix the two.”
– Mauri Kunnas
Awards & nominations
Awards
2019
Tieto-Lauri Liteature Award
2015
Elias Lönnrot Award
2015
Kaarina Helakisa Award
2015
Pirkanmaa Prize
2013
Bookhead Prize
2013
State Award for Public Information for a Distinguished Life’s Work
2013
Aalto University Honorary Doctorate
2012
Emil Cedercreutz Medal
2011
The city of Espoo Medal
2011
The City of Espoo Culture Award
2009
Annual Award for Working for the Benefit of Children
2009
Lifetime Award for Positivity
2008
The Historical Book of the Year Honorary Mention
2005
Kulttuurikuokka Recognition Award
2005
Tietopöllö Literature Award
2003
The Arts Council of Pirkanmaa Diploma
2003
Vammala Prize
2003
Kaarina Helakisa Literary Prize
2003
Rudolf Koivu Prize
2002
Pro Finlandia Medal
2001
Jenny ja Antti Wihuri Foundation Distinction Award
1999
Lempi Grand Prix
1998
The Finnish Broadcasting Company’s Prize for Export Achievement
1992
Finnish Picture Book Prize
1989
Kirjapöllö Children's Book Award
1989
Nortamo Prize
1989
State Award for Children’s Culture
1984
Bologna Children’s Book Fair Diploma
1982
Bologna Children’s Book Fair: Children’s Panel Honorary Award
1981
Finnish Comics Society Puupäähattu Prize
1981
State Literary Award