LOUHI, WITCH OF THE NORTH FARM: A Story from Finland's Epic Poem the Kalevala

by Toni de--Adapt. Gerez ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1986

A benign but mischievous witch captures the sun and moon, keeping them till threatened with Seppo the smith's nine terrible chains. Louhi leaves her cozy ice-bound home on skis that carry her through the air till she sees Vainamoinen, the Great Knower. The birds and beasts, the sun, stars and moon all flock to his singing. Perhaps jealous, Louhi becomes an eagle and carries off sun and moon, which she hides behind nine great locks in Copper Mountain. But when, disguised as a hawk, she discovers Seppo forging her chains, she returns the heavenly bodies to their place, and becomes a dove. This spare northern myth is illustrated in Cooney's perfectly executed style. The frozen landscape has the delicacy of frost on a windowpane, the cozy interior includes details both authentically Finnish and authentically funny. Each illustration, from Louhi grumbling to the serene summer farmstead and sea in the final double spread, is beautifully composed; the dark scenes, with their silhouettes and hint of northern lights, are especially lovely. Cooney (two Caldecotts) has given us another treasure.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1986

Categories: CHILDREN'S