Authors
Author, Eevamaria Halttunen
I got the idea of the Petra books when I wanted to read bedtime stories about other cultures and religions to my children. We read a bedtime story almost every night, and I thought that it would be nice to read stories that would teach us all something new about other countries and people’s life in them.
At the same time the war in Iraq was all over the news and I was thinking to myself that we are given a very one-sided picture of the countries in the region.
I decided that I wanted to bring something new and even educating to our evenings, and true understanding and respect of other cultures seemed to be things that were needed in the world.
It has been extremely interesting and a lot of fun to write the Petra series. Before starting the writing process I always read and study material about the country long and hard. While doing my research I have met many interesting people and learnt a great deal about not only their culture, but also of my own. I have personally learnt that how by being open to new things one can feel joy and gain insight in the everyday life. I have also noted that no learning is ever wasted in life! By embarking on adventures with Petra I have been able to use both my studies in theatre arts and diplomacy in ways that I could ever have imagined when I was studying.
Illustrator, Anna Härmälä
I have graduated as a graphic designer from the Lahti Institute of Design in 2007. At the moment I am studying for a Master of Arts degree in Bergen, Norway.
Ps. Guinea-pigs are funny!