Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas

by Nora Surojegin, Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin (Illustrator), Jill Timbers (Translator)

One day Otto, an elfin adventurer, finds a postcard on the seashore showing pictures of beautiful sparkling lights in the night sky with the words, 'The light of Christmas!' If this 'Christmas' can brighten even the gloomiest Finnish winter, Otto decides he must find it. So he heads north, trudging through dark forests and skiing towards the fells of Lapland, in search of the secret light of Christmas. On his way he meets the mighty Kekri, king of the forest, Niiu, a beautiful leaf fairy, a hungry badger, a friendly bear and the infamous Ironworm. But will he ever find the mysterious light he's looking for, and will Christmas brighten Otto's winter? In this charming storybook a mother and daughter team have painted a captivating picture of the landscape, wildlife and folklore of Finland. Otto and his friends are brought to life in sensitive, detailed illustrations on every page. Each chapter features a short new episode, making this book perfect for bedtime reading.

Genres: Christmas, Childrens, Picture Books, Middle Grade, Chapter Books, Holiday, Animals

101 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Francisca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This chapter book is just amazing. The story is charming and never boring and it's full of lovely characters who are not your average fae beings. From a seagull who lost one leg in an accident, passing by Little Grump (who is -of course- just delightfully grumpy), to the imposing Kekri, king of the Forest, each character in this adventure where Otto, a gnome, goes searching for the light of Christmas after finding a washout postcard on the beach, offers a new insight into Finish folklore and the wonders of friendship and companionship.

But there's much more than a wonderful story here because the illustrations in the book are a thing of great beauty. They are all full of amazing details that will keep you looking time after time to discover all that you didn't see at first.

A great read for small children (age 8 or less) if parents are around to read with them, but also good for older children (up to 12) who read alone, and in general a lovely book for anyone (adult of child) who wants to feel positive about the world.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otto, an adventurous elf, sets out to find the lights of Christmas. His journey towards Lapland takes him through many wonderful places, meeting forest creatures and magical beings along the way.

The illustrations are exquisite, each page is illustrated and there are many full page and several double page illustrations. the images are full of detail, highly skilled and imaginative. A double page spread of an underground community of hazytales (Meerkat like creatures) has so much detail of their beautiful subterranean quarters you can look at it for quite some time and still find something new!

This is a magical Christmas tale, reminiscent of The Snow Queen and The Hobbit, it has a folk tale feel with some spectacular images. This book is around a hundred pages long and has 14 chapters, this would be an ideal read in the run up to Christmas. Highly recommended for those who enjoy fairy tales, Christmas stories and beautiful scenes of nature and animals.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little elfin man named Otto goes in search of the light of Christmas in this enchanting work of Finnish fantasy fiction for younger children, setting out on an epic journey northward. Along the way he encounters a variety of creatures, from apple-stealing Badger to Kekri, king of the forest. He spends time with the gentle, mouse-like mupples, and their slow-moving, tree-like friends, the hazytales. He witnesses the last dance of the leaf fairies, as winter sets in, is helped by a massive bear, and spends time with the mysterious lontti, a secretive, chameleon-like kind of creature that can disguise itself anywhere. Booming Burl, and his village of trolls, a pack of wolves, a herd of reindeer - these too are friends that Otto makes, before eventually reaching his goal, and meeting Father Yule. But once he gets there, the question remains: what exactly is the Light of Christmas...?

Originally published in Finnish as Untu ja sydäntalven salaisuus, and translated into English by Jill Timbers for the Edinburgh-based Floris Books, Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas is an engaging, heartwarming, beautifully-illustrated fantasy journey, one which touches upon the meaning of Christmas, and the central importance of friendship and good company, during the dark winters experienced by people in the northern part of our world. I was fascinated by the different creatures that Otto encountered, from Kekri - an ancient god in Finnish tradition, Kekri more frequently refers these days to a traditional harvest festival, one occurring around Halloween-time - to the lontti, a name which seems to be a simplified version of the Finnish word 'kameleontti,' meaning chameleon. I appreciated the fact that the eponymous Light of Christmas turned out to be both the friendships Otto had found, and the beautiful Northern Lights, and I loved the fact that Father Yule either transformed into a fox, or was represented by a fox, at the end (not sure which it was). Recommended to anyone looking for beautifully-illustrated fantasy fiction for Christmas. For my part, I hope more from both author Nora Surojegin and illustrator Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin (related, perhaps?) is translated!

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suskaičiau ir pagalvojau, kad čia vienos jaukiausių ir gražiausių istorijų, kurias paskutiniu metu skaičiau! Jos tokios žemiškos, pilnos gamtos, tamsaus periodo pergyvenimų ir vilties. Ne rėkaujančios, dzinguliuojančios, šaukiančios, blizgančios, akį ir ausis rėžiančios, bet padedančios išgyventi akimirkos grožį, sustoti, susitikti su savimi ir kitu, įsižeminti, išbūti, išlaukti. Be jokios skubos ar nekantravimo, su jausmu, kad viskam savas laikas, su žinojimu, kad visi jausmai yra priimtini, be jokio apsimestinumo ir netikrumo. Vau, kaip man buvo gražu!

Bardzukas yra mažas žmogutis, kuriam, pamačius atviruką su Kalėdų šviesomis, smogė mintis, jog reikia sužinoti, kas čia tos šviesos, ką jos reiškia ir kaip jų gauti. Taigi, jis leidžiasi į kelionę. O toje kelionėje sutinka gyvūnų, bei įdomiausių mitinių būtybių ir būtybėlių. Čia ir rausliai su retuokliais, ir pūpsantys pūpsniai, ir didysis Kiekris Kelmas, ir kluikiai su žaltvykstėmis! Jau vien dėl jų istorija pakvimpa miško paklote ir magija! O kur dar didžiulis apšarmojęs lokys, šiaurės pašvaistę kurianti lapė, vaišingasis Opšrus, ar pats senelis. Pilni išminties, noro ištiesti pagalbos ranką ir bent maža dalim prisidėti prie kelionės tikslo įgyvendinimo.

Mane joje žavėjo viskas! Veikėjai, iliustracijos, teksto grožis! Kai kurias dalis skaičiau vaikams, tai liežuvį kaip reikiant pamiklint teko ir naujų, nuostabių žodžių kartu ieškoti ir aiškintis prisiėjo! 🥰 Ji tokia, per kurią nepaskubėsi, būsi priverstas stabtelėti ir pajusti grožį, kurį atneša pats gyvenimas, na, ir gamta. 💛

Jei ieškote ko nors nerėkiančiai žemiškai stebuklingo, mokančio išbūti, išlaukti ir tikėti viltimi - rekomenduoju! 💛 Toks gražus šilumos širdy jausmas lieka.

Visiška šviesa lapkričiui.

[Brigita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect Christmas/winter read. Full of magic and wisdom that recenters the reader's focus on what the holidays are really about.

[Juli Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous holiday picture book strongly rooted in the magic of the natural world. This would have absolutely captivated me as a child who was obsessed with arctic climes and nature spirits. The soft, detailed illustrations just add to the magic. A wonderful holiday gem.

[Tinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Očarljiva zgodba o možicu z imenom Untu, ki se odpravi na iskanje svetlobe božiča. Na poti srečuje različna bitja in spoznava njihov način življenja in običaje.

[mi.terapia.alternativa · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖UNTU Y EL SECRETO DE LA LUZ DEL INVIERNO
✍️NORA SUROJEGIN
📝ING EDICIONES

Hay libros que solo verlos te gustan, pasas las hojas y te gusta lo que ves. Los lees y te enamoras. Por la historia, por cómo está contada, por la edición o por lo que te hace sentir.
A mi me ha pasado con Untu.
La historia me ha encantado. Untu está en la playa al final del verano y encuentra una postal que las olas han arrastrado. La postal habla de la luz del invierno, una luz que puede iluminar los largos y oscuros meses de frío. Untu quiere encontrar esa luz y se pone en marcha hacia el Norte atravesando bosques, llanuras y montañas,y conociendo maravillosos personajes.

Me ha encantado como está contado. Porque te hace viajar con Untu,conocer a estos personajes que le ofrecen ayuda mientras se preparan para el duro invierno. Los capítulos están llenos de criaturas interesantes y descripciones detalladas, mientras que las imágenes precisas y preciosas
pintadas con delicadeza y atención al detalle me han enamorado. En especial la escena de las marpotas es para perderte en ella y no querer salir.

Y me ha gustado por lo que me ha hecho sentir al leerlo.
"La naturaleza nos dice en qué momento vivimos. Cómo vivimos ese momento es solo cosa nuestra"

"Aunque la Navidad fuera una celebración en el momento más oscuro del año, su luz provenia de todo lo que se relacionaba con ella: los amigos, los hechos y las palabras"


Perfecto para quienes amamos los cuentos de hadas, los cuentos navideños y los bellos paisajes de naturaleza y animales.
Perfecto para quienes amamos las ilustraciones porque son bellísimas y muy delicadas.
Perfecto para quien necesita un libro acogedor al que abrazar y que quedará siempre en nuestro corazón.
Y perfecto para leer en Navidad!!!!

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Otto the elf hears about the " light of Christmas", and he takes a journey into the north to see if he can find the source of that mysterious light. Along the way he meets many animals and mythical creatures who assist him on his journey. From each creature he meets, he learns more about Father Yule and the special light. But once he reaches the end of his journey, the light itself is not quite what he expected.

What a beautiful story! Otto is such a thoughtful and generous little elf. He finds friends along the road because he himself is polite and kind.

I loved the peaceful writing style. Each chapter takes time to describe the beautiful forests, lakes, and snowy fields that Otto travels through. It's almost like a nature meditation where you stop to notice each leaf and glittering droplet of water.

The illustrations are absolutely beautiful! I was completely in awe of this gorgeous artwork. Every little brushstroke is so delicate. You can clearly see the fur and feathers of each animal. The designs for the mythical creatures are very imaginative!

This is the perfect cozy book to read at Christmas time!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this beautiful book! Brimming with gorgeous full-color illustrations, the text is much longer than a typical picture book though each of the fourteen chapters could be spread out over the holidays as a family read-aloud. (I think pre-K will find it too in-depth and parents of sensitive children may wish to skim to see if any of the creatures encountered would bring nightmares rather than visions of sugar plums; the Ironworm is rather frightening and the Leaf Fairys' Last Dance quite poignant. If you're skimming, please note that the wolves in this book are not big and bad, much to my delight.) I personally found the illustrations exquisite; magical without feeling too whimsical, cozy yet somehow completely evocative of a wild Nordic winter. The storytelling is so lovely and welcoming. Even though I guessed the heart of what Otto would learn along his journey, and what would be waiting at the end of his quest, I still found it captivating and fulfilling. I'm so grateful to Floris Books for making this Finnish gem available to English audiences.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonable book, but not the most sprightly of ones, where a dwarf-type character goes off in search of Father Yule and the Christmas light, which he thinks is destined to cheer him up. Well, SAD lamps weren't around then. But he does find no end of peculiar characters on the way, including what appear to be meerkats. It's all destined to be one five- or six-page chapter a night, in between which you just forget about what's just happened and let the character Otto go about his fairly inconsequential way. Adults can only see the moral coming a mile off, and that the aurorae will turn up eventually. At least the illustrations do look gorgeous, though – these creators don't know any other kind, and perhaps they bump this to three and a half stars. I still maintain the old school qualities here are a little too old-fashioned and languid.

[Clwseattle · Rating 5 out of 5]

All our holidays and special occasions are marked with books for the Grands. I've been reading dozens of Christmas books to find the perfect ones for our Grands this Christmas. Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas is that book. It is magical in the way old fashioned fairy tales are magical. It is sweet and kind and generous. Children will not be able to contain themselves waiting for the next chapter. It is written beautifully and the illustrations are both fascinating and charming.

If I could give Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas all the stars in the sky, I absolutely would. I loved this book. I am ordering several for our precious grands IMMEDIATELY.

[Tarsila Krüse · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this magical and adventurous story we follow a tiny faerie, Otto, in his quest to discover the Secret Light of Christmas. Otto lives by the sea and takes a long journey to the north, all through autumn and winter meeting incredible, kind and somewhat magical cast of characters who help, warn and welcome him along the way.

A lovely chapter book with whimsical and extremely detailed illustrations, Otto and The Secret Light of Christmas nods to magical worlds that crossover reality, like some famous 80s movies including The Labyrinth and Neverending Story. A story that celebrates curiosity, gentle adventure and friendship.

Recommended for children aged 6-10.

[Veera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upea kuvitus.

"Untu oli kyhmyräinen käppänä."

Untu lähtee etsimään Joulua, ihmeellistä asiaa, mikä valaisee synkimmänkin talven. Hän lähtee matkalle Pohjoiseen ja tapaa reissullaan metsän väkeä.

Vaikka tarinassa etsitäänkin joulua, kuvitus sopisi muihinkin vuodenaikoihin, se ei ole ihan perinteisen jouluinen.

[Rebecca Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different from a 'traditional' American Christmas story, but as it is a Finnish tale, that's not surprising. I like learning about the different traditions around the world. This is an endearing tale, with a heartwarming moral and worth the read.

[Sam Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story! Reading it will likely be a Christmas season tradition with my family from now on.

[Jess Searcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful read aloud with awesome illustrations. My 7 year old was hoping there would be more "Otto" books!

[Tunturi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story, beautifully illustrated.

[Fran Velasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un cuento navideño muy distinto de lo habitual y alejado de Papa Noel y lo que se espera del Polo Norte, pero mucho más Finlandés y poético, se agradece el soplo tan distinto en estas fechas

[Ramon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet and heart-warming story about friendship and light during the darkest and coldest time of the year. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good holiday book.

[Maša Rački · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prečudovita bitja, prečudovito popotovanje in nasploh prečudovita zgodba.😊

[Zalias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nuostabiai gražios iliustracijos, tekste daug detalių, senų žodžių, tad sunkiau skaitosi pradžioje. Istorija graži.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

father yule reminds
the light of friendships drives out
darkness and fear

[Sandra LightHouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un cuento ideal para leer en adviento con personajes entrañables y un protagonista en busca de la luz de la Navidad

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published in Finnish, this lovely oversize chapter book follows the adventures of Otto, an elf who decides to find the light of Christmas after finding a postcard making mention of this phenomenon. Although he isn't particularly well prepared for such a journey, he is intrigued at the thought of seeing this luminous treasure, and off he sets, laving behind his two friends, a seagull named Schooner and Little Grump, who finds it hard to see the best of anything. Along the way, Otto has many adventures and meets many new friends, including Badger, Kekri, King of the Forest, a beautiful leaf fairy named Niiu, a snow lontti, all of whom offer help and direction, and an Ironworm who plagues him with doubts about his travels and then worms its way into his heart and soul. When he finally reaches his destination, he is somewhat disappointed until someone provides a little bit of perspective. The chapters are filled with interesting creatures and thorough description while the images are sumptuous, painted delicately but with passion and attention to detail. While the nature scenes of snow and the Forest King are particularly impressive for their enormity, so is the scene showing the mupples hard at work beneath the surface of the ground and Boomer and his sauna. This is a magical book, deservedly sure to be treasured down through the decades.

[miha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Untu, majhen star možiček, nekega dne najde na obali naplavljeno razglednico, na kateri piše vošilo "Svetel Božič!". Zato se odpravi iskat Božič, to svetlobo, ki razsvetli še tako temno zimo. Daleč na sever potuje in na poti sreča raznorazna bitja in živali, ki mu pomagajo pri njegovem iskanju.

Prijetna zgodbica s krasnimi ilustracijami gozdov in bitij v njem, posebno polhki so krasni :)

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An elf named Otto has many adventures as he searches for a light in the dark called Christmas in this beautifully designed and illustrated oversize chapter book. An import from Finland.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Translated from Finnish - lots of forest creatures, and kindness.