The retro revival of Oili Tanninen’s works invites readers on a journey of rediscovery
18 August 2020
The retro revival of Oili Tanninen’s works invites readers on a journey of rediscovery
Finnish celebrated author and illustrator Oili Tanninen has delighted readers for almost 60 years with her stylish and bold graphic colour works that have become children’s book classics. The playful and timeless stories by Tanninen are rich in colors, and still feel as fresh and contemporary as they did back in days when they were first published.
Now, a four-part retro picture book series introducing characters Hippu the mouse, Heppu the dog, Misu the cat and Pommo the girl, originally published only in Japan has been brought to life in stunning Pantone colours and fresh translations. The first translation rights have already been sold as Inori Publishing Company and Otava Publishing Company plan to release Korean and Finnish editions.
Another resent reissue of Tanninen’s works is the new translation of the tale of Button and Popper by Thames & Hudson, published in 2019. This charming and quirky 20th-century children’s classic originally published in Finnish as ‘Nappi ja Neppari’ in 1964 tells the story of twin pixie brothers who find their family a new home. Kirkus Reviews complemented the reissue as a “visual delight” that “possesses retro charm” and “illlustrated in saturated shades of yellow, orange, and black with simple geometric shapes and line designs reminiscent of Marimekko textiles”.
Also, Oili Tanninen book lovers will have chance to see her works as the classic series “Nunnu” will be part of the ‘Finnish Design for Everyday Life’ exhibition in Japan during 2020-2022. The exhibition will tour to four venues in Japan starting from Tottori Prefectural Museum on October 10th, 2020 until early February in 2022.
