Our Song, Our Voice follows a young golden crow as he embarks on a journey to save his grandmother and preserve his flock’s fading traditions, proving that courage, wisdom, and song can bridge generations. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The main inspiration for this Our Song, Our Voice can be found in the UNESCO Indigenous Languages Decade (2022-2032). When I learned more about the topic on their website, the idea of approaching the issue through nature developed in my mind. After all, human cultures are directly connected to nature and the changes that occur within it. Just as indigenous peoples are affected by the changes caused by the modern world, the ecosystem, with its animals and plants, also undergoes a similar experience.

In my story, golden crows that once inhabited vast areas have become increasingly rare as wilderness areas shrink and diminish. Their customs and songs, which correspond to the cultures and languages of smaller groups of people, are also threatened.

I feel great sympathy for the languages of the people. Small language areas, in particular, are in danger when larger languages encroach upon them. The new unilateral development is gaining momentum from global communication, where a few languages dominate. It is inherently good that the people of the world understand each other as widely as possible and without linguistic barriers. Alongside such development, we should also strive to preserve the languages of smaller regions, peoples, and cultures. This is essential for individuals’ identity.

What role do you believe storytelling plays in preserving cultural traditions in the real world?

The power of stories is eternal. It has undoubtedly been utilized for as long as humans have been able to speak. Even in its simplest and most original form, it has been, after primitive basic skills, the most crucial tool for the survival of the human species and the development of culture. In addition to transmitting knowledge and skills, stories have conveyed all the human experiences and emotions that have fueled the progress of the human species, enabling complex forms of cooperation to arise.

The power and need for stories have not diminished as societies have evolved. They are used everywhere: in education, politics, and marketing; the list is endless. The immense power of storytelling can serve both good and bad purposes. At best, it continues to convey valuable information and emotion, forming the basis for human action. At worst, its messages are deliberately distorted, aimed at manipulating people to serve questionable goals and selfish interests.

In my children’s books, I explore and utilize the possibilities of storytelling for various essential purposes. I aim to convey information about today’s world, including history and traditions, to children in an appropriate manner. I believe this approach helps them gain a better understanding of society and function within it.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

A central underlying theme in this storybook is the changes occurring in nature. The consequences of drastic economic projects for all living beings are often alarming and, at worst, irreversible. Increasing numbers of animal and plant species, as well as entire ecosystems and life forms, are under threat.

However, I believe that changes in nature should not be presented to children in an overly frightening or threatening way. My goal is to instill in them a respect for nature and a sense of responsibility for preserving it, rather than blaming them or projecting overwhelmingly disturbing images of danger.

I want to highlight the significance of cooperation and care between different generations as a vital foundation of humanity. By being deeply connected with people of various ages, we can pass down traditions and transfer knowledge to future generations as part of human interaction. The experiences of our predecessors pave the way for subsequent travelers on the paths of life.

My little protagonist’s name is “SISU,” a Finnish word that reflects an important theme in the story. It means determination, not giving up, and trying hard despite difficulties. It represents a stubborn strength that doesn’t make a big fuss about itself but acts regardless of obstacles. I thought it was a funny name for a little character, but it holds significant meaning and plays a crucial role in the national identity of people from my home country.

How did you develop the deep, heartfelt bond between Sisu and his grandmother, Una?

Relationships between members of different generations have always been meaningful to me. Important individuals older than me have greatly influenced my life.

To describe the special bond between Sisu and her grandmother in the story, I have drawn from moments and conversations I shared with my grandparents, who were part of my life for the longest time. Now, they are just a dear memory.

My grandfather, who lived in northern Finland, was an honest, old-fashioned man. He was skeptical of reforms that changed his world too much or too quickly. One detail in the story particularly relates to him: using tree resin for healing.

I have heard that my grandfather collected resin while walking in the forest and rolled it into a ball to take home. He would cut off pieces as needed and treat wounds or skin lesions with that gift from nature. Today, the disinfectant properties of resin are also recognized in medicine.

The story also reflects the peaceful togetherness I’ve experienced with my grandparents. They made time for me and shared many lessons that I still carry with me on my life journey.

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