PICTURE BOOK: VARIS, JOKA HALUSI OLLA SATAKIELI

Picture book 'Varis, joka halusi olla satakieli' (The Crow Who Wanted to Be a Nightingale) was written and illustrated by Elli Maanpää and published by Minikustannus in 2020.

Cover of the children's book "The Crow Who Wanted To Be a Nightingale" by Finnish author-illustrator Elli Maanpää.

Cover of the children's book "The Crow Who Wanted To Be a Nightingale" by Finnish author-illustrator Elli Maanpää.

PICTURE BOOK: VARIS, JOKA HALUSI OLLA SATAKIELI 
The Crow Who Wanted To Be a Nightingale
Written and illustrated by Elli Maanpää || Published by Mini Kustannus || 2020
The Crow Who Wanted to Be a Nightingale is a picture book about self-acceptance and finding your own place in the world. I both wrote and illustrated this story, using vibrant colors and expressive characters to bring the zoo’s inhabitants to life.
In Finnish, the Nightingale is called "Satakieli," which literally translates to "Hundred-languages" (Sata = hundred, kieli = language). To be accepted by the nightingales, Crow believes he must master 100 different languages. Ultimately, the book is a celebration of friendship and individuality for readers of all ages.
The book is available for purchase here.
Elli Maanpää's adorable drawing of the main character crow embarking on a quest, with the support of his bear friend, from her enchanting children's book illustration.

The Crow yearns to ascend to the Nightingale's glamorous tree. However, to be accepted, Crow must master 100 languages, a daunting task.

In Elli Maanpää's captivating illustration, the determined crow learns languages from various zoo animals, including a lion, moose, mouse, horse, and fox, as depicted in her charming picture book.

Undeterred, Crow embarks on a heartwarming journey of learning, seeking the help of the animals in the zoo. 

Elli Maanpää's delightful illustration captures the moment when the crow learns to growl like a tiger, with the assistance of actual tigers, in her vibrant and colorful children's book illustration.

With determination and the support of his newfound friends, Crow sets out to achieve his dream. Illustrations by Elli Maanpää.

A Storytelling Moment

I’ve shared a full read-aloud of my picture book on YouTube. You can follow along with the Finnish narration and English subtitles to see how the illustrations and story come together.
Interview in Ulvilan Seutu newspaper with Elli Maanpää, Author and Illustrator of 'Varis, joka halusi olla satakieli' (The Crow Who Wanted To Be a Nightingale), about Becoming a Debut Children's Author During the Pandemic.

Interview in Ulvilan Seutu newspaper with Elli Maanpää, Author and Illustrator of 'Varis, joka halusi olla satakieli' (The Crow Who Wanted To Be a Nightingale), about Becoming a Debut Children's Author During the Pandemic.

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