Maria Vilja

Maria Vilja is an illustrator and children’s author with background in art education and social work. She creates unique books with strong atmosphere and beauty. Her books are made for children and adult-readers, for shared moments – to be discussed about. Themes of her books range from emotions and society to everyday moments, often with warm humor.

Her picture book, The Only Beautiful Day of the Summer, was nominated for the 2024 Finlandia Prize and is nominated for the 2025 Nordic Council literature award. The book also won the Rudolf Koivu illustrations award 2025.

Photo credit: Otto Virtanen