Representing the best
Finnish authors abroad
Finnish authors abroad
We are very excited to announce that Timo Parvela is nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award 2026! The Hans Christian Andersen Awards are two literary awards given biennially by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), recognising one living author and one living illustrator for their lasting contribution to children’s literature. The former is sometimes called the ‘Nobel Prize for children’s literature’. Our warmest congratulations, Timo!
Timo Parvela (b. 1964) was selected as Finland’s nominee on the merit of being an exceptionally successful author who has been inspiring children to read for more than three decades. His literature typically stands for timeless humour, vibrant characters and timely themes and, from early on, included ecological matters in it. Among his most famous series are ELLA AND FRIENDS (Ella ja kaverit, Tammi 1995-), PURDY & BARKER (Maukka ja Väykkä, Tammi, 2007-), and KEPLER62 (Kepler62, Tammi 2015-2022), written together with Bjørn Sortland and illustrated by Pasi Pitkänen.
His books have been translated into 40 languages to date, more than any other living Finnish children’s author, and have been recognised with numerous awards and accolades ever since his 1989 debut Poika (Tammi, 1989). In 2006 Parvela won the prestigious Finlandia Junior Prize together with illustrator Virpi Talvitie for The Seesaw (Keinulauta, WSOY 2006).
Parvela is also renowned for his humanitarian and charity work. Parvela received the Pro Finlandia medal from the President of Finland in 2019 and in 2016, UNICEF Finland honoured Parvela with the Honorary Award for Child Rights.
Congratulations also to fellow Finnish nominee, illustrator Linda Bondestam!