Tatu and Patu: Tremendous Train Trip

By Aino Havukainen & Sami Toivonen

The excitement and loveliness of travelling are revealed as readers join Finland’s most popular picture book heroes on an exhilarating train journey in a new comic format. 

Wacky Oddville brothers Tatu and Patu are travelling on a train for the very first time. What does one pack on a train journey? Hot chocolate induced underwear, and mashed all-you-can-eat, of course. The joy of discovery in the train leads into the most hilarious train trip towards Helsinki in the new book that is created in the comic book format. And there is no shortage of fast-paced or hectic situations on the rails as Tatu and Patu find themselves in the middle of a madcap chase! 

Back to the basic oddness and essence of these curious brothers! Hilariousness guaranteed in the style of Tatu and Patu. 

Publishing information

Year of publication

2020

Page count

32

Original title

Tatu ja Patu – Kovaa menoa kiskoilla

Original language

Finnish

Original publisher

Otava Publishing Company

Book series

Tatu and Patu (Book 18)

About the author

Author photo of Aino Havukainen and Sami Toivonen for Rights and Brands Literary Rights.

Aino Havukainen & Sami Toivonen work together as children’s authors, illustrators, and graphic designers. For the young Finnish readers they are best known as the creators of the hilarious Oddville boys, Tatu and Patu, whose limitless imagination we can admire already in 23 titles to date. The riotous humour of these hugely popular illustrated books appeals to children and adults alike. Tatu and Patu: This is Finland won the Finlandia Junior prize in 2007, and in 2017 the authors were granted the Finland State Prize for Children’s Culture. In Finland Tatu and Patu books have sold over 1.3 million copies and the translation rights have been sold in 31 languages. Aino Havukainen was born in 1968. She graduated as a graphic designer from Lahti Institute of Design in 1992 and has worked as multimedia designer and as an AD in an advertising agency until the beginning of her free lance career in 1996.Sami Toivonen was born in 1971. He graduated also as a graphic designer from Lahti Institute of Design in 1994 and has worked free lance since 1996. He was awarded in 1989 with the Finnish Critics’ Association’s award “Boost for Criticism” for his comic strips, given annually to a young artist for a fresh artistic breakthrough.

Author page

Reviews

“This exhilarating picture book points out how seemingly everyday matters can in fact be exciting adventures. The humour-filled storyline offers joy and a chance to look at the world from new angles for readers of all ages. The rich in detail illustration is a gift that is presented to the reader each time they open the book.”

Finlandia Jury

"Reminiscent of the anarchist scurry of silent comedies and classic animations."

Harri Römpötti, Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, Finland

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