Virtual Storytime and Art Workshop with the Creators of "1,000 Creatures"

Join Laura Merz and Aino Järvinen for a behind-the-scenes look at their magnificent new picture book, 1,001 Creatures, "a work of art and a great first encyclopedia for the youngest animal lovers" (Mia Spangenberg, World Kid Lit). Aino Järvinen introduces the book and talks about its origins in Laura's long-time passionate love for animals (as a child, she used to take her pet goat for walks around town!); and Laura Merz walks us through her process for creating her ink-and-paper zebras.

Hosted by Scandinavia House, this event is available to stream here via Youtube. For the art workshop, you'll need ink or black paint, paper (white, gray/black, and colored), scissors, a hole punch, paint brushes of different sizes, sponges/combs (optional), scissors, and a glue stick.

View the Illustrations

About the Book

About the Illustrator

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© Lauren Moffat

Laura Merz is a visual artist, illustrator, and textile designer from Finland specializing in experimental drawing, wildlife-themed works and children’s culture. Her works have been shown in solo and group exhibitions both in Finland and around the world. Laura is the illustrator of two award-winning children’s books, and teaches art workshops to young people from refugee backgrounds with NGOs (Pass the Crayon in Germany and All Our Children in Finland).

Laura Merz and Aino Järvinen’s debut book 1,001 Creatures received The Most Beautiful Books of 2016 prize awarded by the Finnish Book Art Committee.

About the Author

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© Minna Kurjenluoma

Aino Järvinen is a retired teacher of Finnish language and literature. Aino loves writing and collaborates with her goddaughter and visual artist Laura Merz on children’s books based on Laura's unique animal drawings. Aino has seen Laura grow from an animal-loving little girl to a fantastic artist whose works are based on an endless interest in nature.