Mauri Kunnas

Mauri Kunnas (b. 1950) is Finland’s most successful children’s book author today. He has published over 50 books, which have been translated into over 40 languages and sold nearly 10 million copies.

His books for children have aroused enormous interest around the world. The best-known book internationally is Santa Claus. The book has been translated into 29 languages and sold nearly two million copies. The sales of all Kunnas translations already exceed 2,5 million copies. Santa Claus is the bestselling Finnish title of all time, and the same Top 20 list included five more Mauri Kunnas titles.

Kunnas is also widely aprreciated by adults, particularly for his comics about The Beatles.

Mauri Kunnas offers the reader an unparalleled joy of discovery: his brilliantly coloured illustrations are filled with rich and humorous detail. He has an unrivalled gift for taking history and casting it in a new and hilarious way, as well as for giving old stories and legends his own delightful twist. His books always exude an atmosphere which is contagiously warm and happy.

“My most important hobby is my drawings and making up stories to go with them – and that’s also my work. I must be a lucky dog to be able to mix the two.”

– Mauri Kunnas

 

Photo: © Niclas Mäkelä

 

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Awards & Nominations

Awards

  • State Literary Award

    1981

  • Finnish Comics Society Puupäähattu Prize

    1981

  • Bologna Children’s Book Fair: Children’s Panel Honorary Award

    1982

  • Bologna Children’s Book Fair Diploma

    1984

  • State Award for Children’s Culture

    1989

  • Nortamo Prize

    1989

  • Kirjapöllö Children's Book Award

    1989

  • Finnish Picture Book Prize

    1992

  • The Finnish Broadcasting Company’s Prize for Export Achievement

    1998

  • Lempi Grand Prix

    1999

  • Jenny ja Antti Wihuri Foundation Distinction Award

    2001

  • Pro Finlandia Medal

    2002

  • Rudolf Koivu Prize

    2003

  • Kaarina Helakisa Literary Prize

    2003

  • Vammala Prize

    2003

  • The Arts Council of Pirkanmaa Diploma

    2003

  • Tietopöllö Literature Award

    2005

  • Kulttuurikuokka Recognition Award

    2005

  • The Historical Book of the Year Honorary Mention

    2008

  • Lifetime Award for Positivity

    2009

  • Annual Award for Working for the Benefit of Children

    2009

  • The City of Espoo Culture Award

    2011

  • The city of Espoo Medal

    2011

  • Emil Cedercreutz Medal

    2012

  • Aalto University Honorary Doctorate

    2013

  • State Award for Public Information for a Distinguished Life’s Work

    2013

  • Bookhead Prize

    2013

  • Pirkanmaa Prize

    2015

  • Kaarina Helakisa Award

    2015

  • Elias Lönnrot Award

    2015

  • Tieto-Lauri Liteature Award

    2019

Related publishing

  • Santa's Christmas Holiday

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • The Doghill History of Finland

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • Santa Claus

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Sweet Dreams with Mr Clutterbuck

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • The Pawchester Tales

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • Mr Clutterbuck Sticker Activity Book

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • Mr Clutterbuck Activity Book

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • Amazing Book of Space

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • Charming Book of Nature

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • Mad Book of Sports

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Bonkers Book of Speed

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • Fun Book of Animals

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • Mr Clutterbuck Visits

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • The Vikings Are Coming!

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • The Canine Kalevala

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Circus

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • Robin Hood

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • The Tails of King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Spooky Tales

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Great Tales

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Mr Clutterbuck Collection

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Finnish Tales

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • The Doghill Collection

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Christmas Tales

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Ricky, Rocky and Ringo: Count on Pizza

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • One Spooky Night And Other Scary Stories

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • The Nighttime Book

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • The Best Sports Books

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • The Doghill Kids Go to Town

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • The Book Of Finnish Elves

    Mauri Kunnas
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  • Twelve Gifts For Santa Claus

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Santa Claus and The Magic Drum

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Mr Clutterbuck’s Funny Hobbies

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Mr Clutterbuck's Seven Wonders

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Good Night, Mr Clutterbuck

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Mr Clutterbuck Searching for Christmas

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Mr Clutterbuck Goes Astray

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • The Seven Dog Brothers

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Mr Clutterbuck Travels

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Who Seized the Sun?

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Colourful Ghosts of Pippendorf Manor

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Brave Book of Fears

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Bold Book of Adventurers

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Amazing Book of Space

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Mad Book of Sports

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Charming Book of Nature

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Going to the Doctor with Pawchester Pups

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more
  • Watch Out for Spooks!

    Mauri Kunnas
    Read more

Related content

  • Doghill by Mauri Kunnas

    By Mauri Kunnas

  • Mr Clutterbuck by Mauri Kunnas

    By Mauri Kunnas

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