Wolf and His Gardener

A story about what it’s like to be lonely, and how everything can change when one has the courage to find a friend. 

Wolf lives alone in a big castle. He loves painting, but he is sad. He visits the art museum and gets a great idea, or two: he wants to paint a portrait and remodel his garden! Finally he paints a portrait of his gardener. They also have coffee, talk about life, or simply sit together in silence. 

The portrait wins the local art competition, but suddenly Wolf feels sad again. Where is his gardener? Wolf understands that they have become friends. 

A tender and delicate story about loneliness and the first shy steps of friendship. Marika Maijala’s picture book takes the reader on a movie-like journey through familiar and also difficult emotions, encouraging us to face our fears and enjoy our lives in the company of friends.

Marika Maijala is a celebrated creator who has been awarded various awards, most recently the Illustrator of the Year 2024. She has illustrated several picture books and written three of her own including The Magic Flower (Taikurin kukka) which was among the Most Beautiful Books of Finland (2023), 100 Outstanding Picture Books (2023) and one of the winners of the 58th Illustrators Exhibition.