The book Hooray for Helsinki! Our Very Own City launched during a tram journey

Hooray for Helsinki! Our Very Own city is a fully illustrated, colourful and extensive picture book produced to celebrate the commencement of WDC Helsinki 2012. 

During a tram journey organised together with Helsinki City Transport, this new book was introduced and passengers were given instruction in safe urban travel by Setä Sininen (‘Uncle Blue’), that is, Tram Traffic Supervisor Eero Sauramäki.

The book contains a short story describing a summer's day in the lives of a family with children in Helsinki as well as information on design. The approach is practical and mostly perceived from a child’s perspective – design is present in our everyday lives, its many small objects and pertinent details. The focus is on Finnish design.

The book’s text has been penned by author editor Karo Hämäläinen, managing editor of the investment magazine Arvopaperi (‘Securities’), whilst the illustrations have been the responsibility of the highly regarded and awarded illustrator Salla Savolainen who has a special ability to draw details in an identifiable yet unique style.

Graphic designer Markko Taina has been involved as the project’s design expert. All of these three professionals are well-known and respected names in the field of Finnish children’s and young people’s literature, and the book is part of the WDC Helsinki 2012 programme.