Books: Helsinki – City in sight

Timo Mänttäri has had a long career as an illustrator. He has created numerous covers for the Keltainen kirjasto series and illustrated two children’s books, Anja Portin‘s Otso ja varpaansyöjät and Jukka Laajarinne‘s Isä vaihtaa vapaalle. Nowadays, Mänttäri’s name is primarily associated with Kehvola, however, which he founded in 2013 together with Veera Kehvola.

The company publishes a range of paper goods, especially postcards and calendars, which have become known for their high-quality illustrations. In the spring of this year, Kehvola broke new ground by publishing its first book, Hello Helsinki! It’s a picture book for adults and children alike that guides readers through the city of Helsinki as well as its history. The book is also the first to be both written and illustrated by Mänttäri himself.

The book quickly creates a good impression. There isn’t a ton of text, but it still manages to convey a lot and offer surprising insights, even for locals. The Potato Market, for instance, takes its name from a kiosk that used to sell french fries there – an exotic novelty in 1950s Finland! Nor did I know that the famous restaurant Juttutupa was once the haunt of Vladimir Lenin, and that they’ve held on to the “revolutionary table” as a reminder of the Bolshevik leader’s presence. The book is an interesting read for tourists, locals and children alike.

The illustrations in the book are distinctively Mänttäri. They’re composed of flat, slightly tilted colour surfaces, reminiscent of the nostalgic illustrations of the 50s and 60s. Mänttäri has a knack for creating a humorous narrative into his illustrations, a world within a world. Younger children will certainly appreciate the detailed pictures, Helsinki doesn’t appear overly stylised. 

The layout of the book is also excellently executed. The text flows creatively amongst the images, yet the end result remains balanced. The English edition of the book also deserves praise for its equally beautiful layout. Pamela Kaskinen’s high-quality translation certainly played a role in the success of the outcome. 

Hello Helsinki! is a delightful find and a necessary addition to any picture book collection. The world is full of city guides for tourists, yet it’s rare to find one that is as carefully and imaginatively constructed as this one, appealing to both locals and visitors.