Lost Ball
By
Oili Tanninen
A delightful picture book from 1985 that belongs to the cherished classics of children’s stories. This classic from the beloved Oili Tanninen presents a boy with a ball, and a ram.
The boy kicks his ball alone all day long since no one plays with him, not even his friend the rooster. One morning, however, he meets a ram and asks him to play. Now things get a bit more exciting for the boy. The ram kicks the ball with his horns very far into the woods. “Bah” says the ram. Now, they have to look for the lost ball so all three head out into the woods, and the friendly ram helps the boy get it down from a tree.
The sparce dialogue and carnevalistic humour mark this timeless classic, and it appeals to both children and adults who enjoy a nice, vividly and artfully coloured narrative.
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
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