Button & Popper by Oili Tanninen, published by Thames & Hudson Books, is a delightful tale about a pixie family in search of a new home. As winter approaches, their beloved apple tree can no longer provide shelter or sustenance. Twins Button and Popper, from a family of 12 children, take it upon themselves to find a cozy new house for everyone.
Will they succeed? Naturally, they do—adding a sense of joy and triumph to this heartwarming story.
Originally published in 1964, this adventurous Finnish fairy tale has a timeless charm. In the edition I read, the author includes a heartfelt note sharing her inspiration: at the time, she was navigating her own housing challenges as a mother of two small children. Tanninen also designed the book using just three colors, making it cost-effective and accessible for children everywhere—a thoughtful touch that adds to the book’s enduring appeal.
I appreciated the book’s minimalist design and its longer narrative format, perfect for children transitioning to more involved stories. If your toddler or preschooler has started handing you piles of short board books, it might be the perfect time to explore engaging, longer picture books like this one.
Note: There is a brief reference to the father smoking a pipe, a reflection of the era in which the book was written.
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Ages: 3-8
Themes: Moving, Family, Adventure
