First graders in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area get a book present from the Helmet Library

Helmet libraries and publishers will give a book gift to all first graders in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area in the school year 2024–2025. The first-grader campaign is a significant investment in the literacy of small readers. The campaign aims to provide each first grader with an age-appropriate, high-quality book of their very own. It also invites all new pupils to visit their local library either with the teacher or their family.  

This year’s Finnish language book gift is called Pikku avokadon tarina, written by Sergio Augusto Sánchez and illustrated by Manuel García Plata. It is translated by Sofia Perhomaa. The book is published by Aviador Kustannus. 

The book is all about the diversity of nature and growth when little Laura, who loves avokados, wants to grow an avocado tree from a seed. She later learns that it is sometimes difficult to take care of something and feels sad, when the avocado tree is withering. The book also talks about the variety of emotions around all the things that are important to us.

Books for Swedish speaking children

Helmet library will also donate books for Swedish speaking children starting their school. These books are in their native language. This year’s book is Slemmo – Super-snigeln, written by Dan Höjer and illustrated by Tony Miles. The book is published by Bokförlaget Hegas that is specialised in publishing books for young readers. 

How does one get the book gift

Employees of Helsinki, Kauniainen and Vantaa libraries will invite first grade classes and their teachers to the libraries, and the book gifts will be presented during the visit. In Espoo, first-graders get their books during their class visit to a library or by visiting a local library and showing the bookmark they got from their teacher.  

Audio book for print-disabled children

Celia’s books are available to everybody with difficulties reading ordinary books due to dyslexia, disease, injury or a corresponding reason. Celia will provide audio books of the Finnish- and Swedish-language campaign books. The child must have Celia’s online service identifiers to get the book. Ask the school or the library about the identifiers.