Matti Lives in Finland facts for kids

Matti Lives in Finland is a heartwarming children's book. It was written by the famous Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. The beautiful photos in the book were taken by Anna Riwkin-Brick. This story was first published in 1968 by Rabén & Sjögren. The original title in Swedish is Matti bor i Finland.

Matti's Adventures in Finland

This book tells the story of a boy named Matti. He lives on a farm in the beautiful country of Finland. Matti has a special friend named Merja.

Matti and Merja's Friendship

Merja has a kind grandfather whom Matti enjoys visiting. Merja also owns a dog named Kari. Matti really loves Kari. Matti wishes he could have his own pet animal, but he doesn't have one.

A Brave Rescue

One day, something scary happens. Merja accidentally falls into the sea. She is in danger of drowning. Matti acts quickly and bravely. He manages to save his friend Merja from the water. After this, they both promise to keep their secret. They decide not to tell anyone about the rescue.

A Special Gift for Matti

Some time later, Matti's father brings a surprise to the farm. It is a small calf! Matti's father gives the calf to Matti as a gift. Matti is overjoyed. From that day on, Matti takes great care of his new calf. He visits it all the time and makes sure it is happy.

The Calf's Fate and Merja's Plan

However, one day, Merja's grandfather buys the calf from Matti's father. He plans to use the calf for his birthday dinner. Matti is very sad and heartbroken. Merja's grandfather does not want to change his mind. Even when Matti's father tries to buy the calf back, he refuses.

Merja sees how upset Matti is. She decides to talk to her grandfather. She asks him how much she means to him. Her grandfather says she is worth everything in the world. Then, Merja reminds him that Matti saved her life. She tells him that she wouldn't be there without Matti. This makes the grandfather understand. He realizes how important the calf is to Matti. So, he gives the calf back to Matti. After this, everyone celebrates the grandfather's birthday together.

About the Book

Matti Lives in Finland was first released in 1968. It was published in Sweden as Matti bor i Finland. This book is part of a special collection called the Children's Everywhere series. There are 15 books in this series in total.

The Last Book by a Special Team

Matti Lives in Finland is the thirteenth book in the series. It is also the very last book that Anna Riwkin-Brick and Astrid Lindgren worked on together. Today, it can be hard to find this book new. You can usually only buy it second-hand.

Worldwide Reach

This book has been translated into many different languages. People can read it in German, English, and Hebrew, among others. The Children's Everywhere series was very popular in Israel. The famous poet Leah Goldberg helped translate these books into Hebrew.

Different Editions

• Matti bor i Finland, Rabén & Sjögren, 1968, Swedish Edition
• Matti Lives in Finland, The Macmillan Company, 1968, US-american Edition
• Matti Lives in Finland, Methuen, 1969, British Edition
• Matti bor i Finland, Gyldendal, 1968, Norwegian Edition
• Matti bor i Finland, Høst & søn, 1968, Danish Edition
• Matti aus Finnland, Oetinger Verlag, 1969, German Edition
• Matti ja kesä, Otava, 1969, Finish Edition