Valo is an ordinary child with a small family, the size of his mother and Valo. Valo is interested in dinosaurs, space and sea creatures. He likes to joke around, but evenings bring worries. In the dark, even familiar things take on a strange form. Valo is sure that something lurks under his bed at night. When his imagination takes over, Valo is protected by his mother. Even his mother was afraid of many things as a child. Together with his mother, they think of ways to overcome his fear of the dark.
Five questions for creators
Martin : One of my big idols is Marco Bucci. He is an illustrator and painter with a very special style – a bit imprecise but still painterly. He manages to transform incredible color combinations into enchanting images, with characters that are real and sensitive.
The book Light and the Darkness of the Night by Pirkkala-based author Jade Haapasalo and Dutch-Vantaa illustrator Martin Bonke gently encourages us to talk about our own fears. When we put our own fears into words or illustrate them, buy phone number list it is easier to deal with. When fear becomes an everyday occurrence, it does not take on such large proportions. Anyone can be afraid – Light, you, me. When we learn to understand fear, we can see new sides to it. Even light discovers that beautiful things can also be found in darkness.
What is best about writing or illustrating?
Jade : The best thing about writing is when a character starts to live their own life. When you feel like you can get inside the character and the text almost comes together on its own.
Martin : There’s something incredibly rewarding about doing things with your own hands – whether it’s just a little home renovation, we are still going strong with one glass repurposing a wooden toolbox, painting a cabinet, or drawing a picture. Illustrating a book takes it to the next level when you know that many others will enjoy the same images.
What are your best childhood reading memories?
Jade : I read a lot. I went to the libraries in Porvoo with my father and I remember always borrowing books on my lap. It was wonderful. Although I think my parents would get a little annoyed sometimes when I was buried in a book. I remember my mother wanting me to admire the Norwegian fjords or glaciers from the back seat of the car, while I was engrossed in a book.
Martin : I was a bookworm. I learned to read and write when I was five. A year later, my mothetook me to the local library, where I could choose what I wanted to read. I loved reading – and I still love it. I usually immerse myself in a book with all my bulgaria business directory senses and imagine that I am there. The words transform themselves into landscapes and sounds. Books are secret worlds for me that I love to explore.
What is your favorite children’s book character from your childhood?
Jade : When I was little, my favorite was the Pörri troll, who gathered berries and other food for the winter. It was tempting to think that the little blue-haired creature would roam the hills and then take its food to its cave home. As a young student, I admired Vilijonkka, who believed in accidents. When the storm finally arrived, it cleaned the entire home and freed Vilijonkka from its rigid restrictions. I wish I could do the same.
Martin : An author whose books I eagerly read was Annie MG Schmidt. Her books featured small children who got into the most extraordinary situations. Schmidt’s Jip en Janneke books in particular were good reading books with relatively few simple illustrations. I also really liked Hotze de Roos’ books about two Frisian boys (called Sietse and Hielke) who built their own boat called De Kameleon from an old car engine.