Christmas comes early to the Finnish Embassy
Christmas comes early again this year with the Kidzone Finland online advent calendar! Hop on and follow the adventures of the little elf Zac in a delightfully illustrated, 24-part story about sharing the gift of happiness with others.
Santa and his elves, as illustrated by beloved Finnish author Mauri Kunnas.
What can an elf give Santa Claus for Christmas? Little helper Zac decides that twelve good deeds would be a very special surprise.
The highly popular Kidzone Christmas Calendar for young and young-minded readers alike is back! Over 24 days the free calendar follows the hilarious exploits of the little elf Zac, taking readers on a journey through one of the funniest Christmas stories from the home of Santa Claus. Go towww.kidzonefinland.org.uk/christmas to access the calendar now.
This year the story and illustrations are from the book Twelve Gifts for Santa Claus by Mauri Kunnas. Famous for his brilliantly coloured illustrations that are filled with humorous and delightful details, Mauri Kunnas offers readers unparalleled joys of discovery.
The calendar is produced by the Embassy of Finland in London, in co-operation with Otava Publishing Company Ltd. Story and illustrations appear courtesy of Mauri Kunnas and Otava.
The online Christmas calendar follows the adventures of an elf called Zac and his twelve good deeds.
Mauri Kunnas: Twelve Gifts for Santa Claus
Mauri Kunnas, Finland's undoubtedly most loved and successful author of children's books, has published over forty books and sold almost seven million copies in twenty-nine languages in thirty-one countries. Mauri Kunnas has received numerous domestic and international awards for his work as author, illustrator and cartoonist.
What is Kidzone Finland?
Kidzone Finland is a fun, interactive and educational website for children aged 5-11 years. It is designed to help children explore Finland's unique landscape, culture and lifestyle. It offers parents and teachers an accessible tool to support their children's discovery of another country and a bigger world outside their own.
The graphics in Kidzone Finland are based on Tove Jansson's adventurous Moomin character. The website is administered by the Embassy of Finland in London and its patron is children's author Michael Morpurgo.
Text: Tiina Heinilä, Embassy of Finland in London
Pictures: Mauri Kunnas
