Oiva Paloheimo facts for kids

Oiva Aukusti Paloheimo (September 2, 1910 – June 13, 1973) was a Finnish author. He wrote many kinds of stories, poems, and wise sayings called aphorisms. His most famous book is the children's story Tirlittan, published in 1953.

A Writer's Early Life

Oiva Paloheimo was born in Tampere, Finland. His last name was Pietilä until 1911, when it became Paloheimo. His father was a businessman, and his mother was a merchant's daughter.

Oiva was separated from his mother right after he was born. His father traveled a lot for work. Because of this, Oiva often lived with his aunts when he was a child. When Oiva was eight years old, his father passed away. Oiva then moved to Kangasala to live with his father's younger brother. Growing up without his parents greatly influenced the stories he wrote.

Starting His Writing Journey

Oiva Paloheimo began writing at a young age. He wrote his first play, Kauppakirja, when he was only nine years old. He also started writing poems and short stories.

He first published short stories using the pen name Oiva Kaisla. These stories appeared in different magazines. His first short story published under his own name came out in 1926.

From 1930 to 1933, Paloheimo studied at the University of Tampere. He wanted to work in newspapers. However, he had trouble with languages and money. This caused him to stop his studies early.

His first book was a collection of poems called Vaeltava laulaja. It was published in 1935. For the next few years, he worked on his novel Restless Childhood (Levoton lapsuus). This book was about his own life and came out in 1942. Paloheimo also worked as a journalist for newspapers. During the wars, he reported from the front lines.

Later Years and Home Life

From 1946 to 1952, Oiva Paloheimo and his family lived in Vesilahti. They stayed in a building near the church. This building was later turned into a museum. Sadly, it was destroyed in a fire in 2018.

From 1953 until he passed away, Paloheimo lived in Oulunkylä, Helsinki. He first lived in a wooden house that belonged to the Union of Finnish Writers. His last published work was a collection of poems called Palaa ne linnut vielä, which came out in 1962.

Family Life

Oiva Paloheimo was married and had children. He had two children from his first marriage and three from his second marriage.

Awards and Recognition

Oiva Paloheimo received several important awards for his writing. These awards recognized his contributions to Finnish literature.

• Finnish Literature Society Prize 1936
• Finnish State Prize for Literature 1942, 1946, 1949, 1952, 1953
• Kalevi Jäntti Award 1944
• Pro Finlandia Medal 1959