Everything is just as Anna wants it to be: YVRUT-YSPOT TCEFREP!
Author: Helmi Kekkonen
Illustrator: Aino Louhi
Finnish original: Nurinkurin Anna
Publisher: S&S, 2019
Genre: Illustrated children’s fiction
Number of pages: 40 pp.
Reading material: Finnish original, English translation
Anna is topsy-turvy because Anna is Anna backwards; and she also likes things to be done backwards and clothes to be put on inside out and in general everything is more fun the wrong way round. Even Anna’s first word was backwards: ESON.
And now it’s the best day of the year. Anna’s topsy-turvy festival, or YADHTRIB YTRAP. Anna is turning six. She’s been waiting for this day for such a long time! But her little brother is annoying and messes things up, she’s not allowed to give out biscuits at her dance class, and even her best friend, Kerttu, doesn’t understand anything anymore.
Topsy-turvy Anna is a charming story about something familiar to all children: looking forward to something so much that it’s bound to disappoint. Aino Louhi’s tender illustrations are drawn with warmth and convey a homely, nostalgic atmosphere.
“In the car on the way to the autumn’s first dance class Anna has already forgotten the whole business. Dance classes are lovely and Kerttu will be there, and Anna hasn’t seen Kerttu all summer. Anna laughs and sings. Every now and then Maija turns to look at her on the back seat and says, try to behave, calm down, but is still smiling.”
Also available:
The Guests (2016)
About the authors:
Helmi Kekkonen
Aino Louhi