Loukko by 
Original title: Tuuliajolla
Author: Jukka Laajarinne
Illustrator: Elina Warsta
Published: 2025
Publisher: Otava
Genres: Picture Books (0-3 Years), Chapter Books (3-6 Years)
Pages: 48
Reading material:
Full English translation, Finnish PDF
This charming picture book carries the magic of a grand adventure and timeless appeal
✓ Finlandia Prize nominee 2025
✓ A fantastical balloon adventure story with stunning detailed illustrations by Elina Warsta!
✓ Universal themes of friendship, belonging, and courage
Laule-Lii is used to soaring alone in her airship, free as a bird in the sky. Somewhat reluctantly, she accepts the company of two other pilots, Giant-Putti and Mirella, and together they set out to help farmers plagued by a fierce dragon.
An exhilarating adventure awaits, where all three will need to use their different skills. Laule-Lii finds herself in a tighter spot than ever before: among others, on solid ground. Yet her heart leaps with joy when, together, they drive away the intruder.
Adrift tells, through stunning images and words, how freedom can be found in friendship and belonging.
“In this work, text and illustrations are combined in a way that allows them, as equal elements, to carry the fairy tale and the hot-air balloon forward through the pages of the book. Through the meticulous images and landscapes brimming with detail, the story deepens continuously, and new dimensions can be discovered even after several readings. Although it is a picture book aimed at younger children, its subtlety makes it appealing to readers of many ages.”
– Finlandia Prize jury 2025
Download reading materials 