photo by Saara Mansikkamaki (New York Times)
Today Elsewhere Editions publishes Marika Maijala’s adventure-packed Rosie Runs, translated from the Finnish by Mia Spangenberg. Rosie is a lovable and feisty greyhound who spends her days running endless circles at the track. Until one day, led by Rosie’s boundless curiosity, readers travel up and over the racetrack fence, where Rosie’s path becomes much less predictable. The pages burst with stunning detail as Rosie flashes through forest and field, town and city, and out into the big, strange world.
In a starred review, Publishers Weekly says:
“This story by Finnish creator Maijala offers many pleasures: riveting, sustained motion; the suspense of wondering whether Rosie will be captured; and acute observations (a tethered circus pony ‘neighs in longing as Rosie runs by’). A series of wide-angle views roughly stroked in crayon-like colors give a mosaic feel to Rosie’s flat-out dash for freedom in this triumphant escape story.”
Rosie Runs was honored as an Indie Next pick by the American Booksellers Association:
“A captivating tale of freedom for a racing dog named Rosie, told with beautiful rhythm and perfect read-aloud pacing for toddlers and early elementary listeners alike. Fluid illustrations invite the viewer to run right beside Rosie.”
—Julie Rowan-Zoch, Old Firehouse Books, Fort Collins, CO
For even more whimsy, visit Marika’s magical workshop on a small Finnish Island in this New York Times feature filled with beautiful photographs by Saara Mansikkamaki. In her interview with Johanna Lemola, Maijala says, “Children are a fine, valuable audience, and I want to make fine books for them.”
stunning photos by Saara Mansikkamaki (New York Times)
