7 December 2023
Aino Havukainen and Sami Toivonen receive Pro Finlandia Medal
Finnish authors Aino Havukainen and Sami Toivonen have received the Order of the Lion of Finland, Pro Finlandia award.
The author duo best known as the creators of the hilarious Tatu and Patu book series are among the 14 recipients of the Pro Finlandia that honours outstanding cultural figures.
The Pro Finlandia for writers and artists is the Order of the Lion of Finland, awarded since 1945. It is presented by the President of the Republic of Finland, Sauli Niinistö as the Grand Master of the Orders of Finland, on December 6, Finland’s Independence Day.
The riotous humour of the hugely popular illustrated Tatu and Patu books appeals to readers of all ages. The hilarious Oddville boys, Tatu and Patu venture in 23 titles to date and the books have sold over 1.3 million copies in Finland. Translation rights have been sold in 31 languages. The latest book in the series, Tatu and Patu’s Fantasy Adventure (Tatun ja Patun fantasiaseikkailu) was released in June 2023 by Otava.
Our warmest congratulations to Aino Havukainen and Sami Toivonen!
