The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the release of the novel “The Seven Brothers” written by Finland’s national author Aleksis Kivi. This classic has its place in Finnish history as the first novel to be published in Finnish.
Almost two decades ago the story of the brothers was introduced to young readers as a doggerel version “The Seven Dog Brothers” created by one of Finland’s most successful children’s book authors Mauri Kunnas. He has the unique talent of transforming classic stories into hilarious and detailed adaptations that amuse as well as sneakily educate readers of all ages. Since release this adaptation has itself become a classic.
In 2020 there are several innovative events and new product releases around the adventures of “The Seven Dog Brothers”.
THE SEVEN DOG BROTHERS GOLD COIN BY MONETA FINLAND
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the national author Aleksis Kivi Moneta Finland came up with the idea of creating a Mauri Kunnas The Seven Dog Brothers Gold Coin for collectors inspired by the cover of Mauri’s book. The cover is from the scene of the book, where the brothers have escaped a pack of stampeding bulls up to Demon’s Rock.
Mauri Kunnas was also featured in Moneta Finland’s Money and History magazine earlier in 2020 in the article “The World’s Funniest Gold Coin” as he shared his thoughts on the collaboration and the multi-phased process of creating an illustration. He was delighted to hear about the honor of having the dog brothers in the form of a gold coin as the book cover is one of his all-time favorites:
“I still believe that it is really successful or even one of my best book covers. It is compact, it includes all brothers and as the topic is familiar it immediately tells something to readers”, says Mauri.
When asked in the interview Mauri considered dog twins Lauri and Timo and the youngest of the seven Eero as potential collector types.
Moneta Finland also presented Mauri with his very own gold coin as he signed the certificate of authenticity.
PLAYFUL AND MEMORABLE EXHIBITIONS AROUND FINLAND
In Finland the summer holiday season has started as well as the reopening of museums and libraries after lockdown. These include the Päivämuseo Museum and Nurmijärvi Main Library which both are offering amusing “The Seven Dog Brothers” exhibitions throughout 2020.
Päivälehti Museum’s exhibition presents the famous story in a playful way with texts available also in English. It will be open 1.6- 31.12.2020.
Gallery Ville, located in Nurmijärvi’s Main Library will open “The Seven Dog Brother’s” exhibition to the public in autumn 2020. Visitors will have a chance to dive into the world of the book as they explore enlarged illustrations covering the gallery’s walls. In addition, a stack of Kunnas’s book will be on display so visitors have a chance to read the book during their visit.