Hippu and the Snowmouse

By Oili Tanninen

Hippu the mouse builds a snowmouse to enjoy a snowy day.   Hippu is the Finnish classic by renowned Oili Tanninen, first published in 1967. The follow-up “Hippu and Friends” four-book series was created for Japanese publisher Kodansha who published the books back in 1976. Now, this retro picture book series has been brought to life in stunning Pantone colours and fresh translations, set to be released for the first time outside Japan.

Publishing information

About the author

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