Hippu

Beautifully crafted in collage technique, this graphic picture book tells the story of Hippu the mouse and his friend Heppu the dog. They eat, they play, they go for a walk and then they fall asleep. This simple, stylish picture book is a classic.

Publishing information

Year of publication

1967

Page count

Original title

Hippu

Original publisher

Otava Publishing Company

About the author

Author photo of Oili Tanninen for Rights and Brands Literary Rights.

Oili Tanninen (1933-2024) was one of Finland’s most treasured creators of children’s literature. The celebrated and award-winning author and illustrator created over 20 children’s books.Tanninen is well-known for her beloved Nunnu book series from the 1960’s and its playful use of words and illustration. An animated TV series was also created based on the books. Her works have been published in Finland, Japan, England, Croatia and Sweden. Her simple, yet bold illustrations in graphic colours make her artwork feel as fresh today as when the first books were published in the 1960’s. Oili Tanninen lived abroad for 24 years due to her husband’s work. The family first moved to Moscow in 1958 where her husband Aarne Tanninen worked as a Moscow correspondent for the newspaper Uusi Suomi. In later years, her family lived in London and Washington. “Illustrated in saturated shades of yellow, orange, and black with simple geometric shapes and line designs reminiscent of Marimekko textiles, this 1960s reissue from Finland possesses retro charm… Sweet and appealing… A visual delight.”― Kirkus Reviews“Midcentury illustrations accompany the new translation of the classic story by one of Finland’s most celebrated author-illustrators.”― Publishers Weekly Books by Oili Tanninen: Miiru menee kalaan, 1961, OtavaSamovaari: Elämää Moskovassa, 1963, OtavaNappi ja Neppari: satukirja/Button and Popper, 1964, OtavaNunnu/ Nunnu, 1965, OtavaNunnu lentää/Nunnu Flies, 1966, OtavaNunnu putoaa /Nunnu Falls, 1969, OtavaNunnu, yhteisnide/Nunnu bind-up, 2007, OtavaHippu/ Hippu, 1967, OtavaRobotti Romulus, 1968, OtavaPapu ja Polla/Bobble and Pom Pom, 1970, OtavaHissu ja kaverit, 1975, OtavaHissu yksin kotona, 1975, OtavaMilli, 1976, OtavaVahva suomalainen Auringonnouseman maassa, 1977, OtavaTäplä ja Piste, 1979, OtavaPörisevä, 1983, OtavaMusti sirkuskoira, 1984, OtavaPallo hukassa/ Lost Ball, 1985, OtavaMini metsätonttu, 1987, OtavaMini metsätontun tähtihetki, 1988, OtavaKummamumma, 1991, OtavaHeppu ja oma koti/Heppu and the House, 1976 Kodansha, 2021 OtavaMiiru ja ilmapallo/ Misu and the Balloon, 1976 Kodansha, 2021 OtavaHippu ja lumileikit/ Hippu and the Snowmouse, 1976 Kodansha, 2021 OtavaPommo ja lintu/ Pommo and the Bird, 1976 Kodansha, 2021 Otava

Author page

Reviews

"These stories are capable of providing a moment of fun, but also of making them reflect on themes that are dear to 2-year-old children, such as finding their place in the world, the right place for themselves, children. (...)Two solid, funny, non-moralistic and explosive stories that will keep children aged 2 and up company."

Maria Polita, Scaffale Basso

“ I love this short little book. Despite being over 50 years old, the design still feels fresh. Small and square (think Miffy sized), it’s the perfect starter book for little hands and minds. It tells the simple story of two new friends: a dog and a mouse. Printed in just red and black ink and with illustrations made from torn paper collage, the characters are packed full of humour and charm. With such nice graphic illustrations, you don’t need to read Finnish (or read at all) to know what’s going on.”

Linzie Hunter, illustrator and author of upcoming children’s book What If, Pig?

"Published by Tate Publishing, this is the first time HIPPU has become available in English, and is undoubtably destined to become a classic worldwide. This lovely edition is a minature 15cm squared hardback which is ideal for tiny hands to hold. (...) You can see that illustrators around today like Chris Haughton have been inspired by Tanninen with the her unique simplity to paper cut-out illustration and bold colour choices."

The Bookworm Baby blog