Finnish / Finland
Ruusun matka
(Ruusu‘s journey)
Maijala, Marika
(text/illus.)
Helsinki: Etana Editions, [2018]. – [52] p.
ISBN 978-952-7105-30-6
Dog | Captivity | Running away | Freedom | Picture book
Reading age: 5+
White Ravens issue: 2020
Wax crayons are the favourite drawing tools of many children, but illustrators rarely use them. Why is that? As Marika Maijala shows in her picture book “Ruusun Matka”, they work really well. Even with this “simple” medium, she draws accurately; and at the same time, the wax crayons lend the illustrations an expressive vitality. This way, the choice of the tools and technique reflects the story’s theme of running. The book is about Ruusu (Rosie), a greyhound, who one day has enough of her monotonous existence at the dog track and simply runs away. She passes the finish line and runs further and further and further, through the city, across streets, and through the park. Finally, she is free! And what’s more: she finds new friends, too. This proves: Leaving familiar paths always pays off. [IG]