Kirsti Mäkinen (1939-2016) worked at the National Board of Education of Finland and was a lecturer in Finnish language and literature at the Helsinki Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu High School. Her adaptation of The Kalevala for children was awarded a 2009 Aesop Prize from the American Folklore Society. Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin is a well-known Finnish illustrator, renowned for her delicate, detailed portrayals of Finland's wildlife and folklore. She graduated in 1977 from Helsinki University of Art and Design and has since illustrated many books loved by children and adults. She is the illustrator of Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas, also published by Floris Books. Kaarina Brooks was born in Finland and emigrated to Canada as a child. She is a translator and illustrator of three books of Finnish folktales for children.