Missing characters! – A digital escape game in the footsteps of authors and illustrators from Pirkanmaa

The implementation of the National Literacy Strategy is increasingly important. Diverse literacy skills increase understanding and active participation in society. Operation Pirkanmaa is a partner in a number of projects that promote literacy skills among children and young people. The Finnish Book Institute's digital game on the literature of the Pirkanmaa region also contributes to strengthening multiliteracy skills.

The digital game Missing characters! introduces writers and illustrators of Pirkanmaa region, their work and hometowns. Players are searching for the missing characters who are set out to find the mythical door to the world of stories and fairy tales. The characters have left behind some clues that help to solve the tasks.

During this digital escape game players will visit eight authors or illustrators starting from the Nobel prize awarded F. E. Sillanpää to Aino Havukainen and Sami Toivonen, the creators of Tatu and Patu characters. While solving the puzzles players will discover for example how nature shows in poems of Kirsi Kunnas, and how the landscapes of childhood reflect on novels of Väinö Linna.

The game is designed for elementary school pupils aged between 10 to 12, but it is suitable for all ages. You can play the escape game alone or in groups.

The Finnish Book Institute’s objective is to increase children’s enthusiasm for books and reading. The game also highlights the work of authors and illustrators in Pirkanmaa Region, and promotes the knowledge of literature in general.

The project was operated in cooperation with Väinö Linna Association, F. E. Sillanpää Association, Jalmari Finne Foundation, specialists in education and literature, students from Sastamala elementary schools, and many authors and illustrators from the Pirkanmaa region.

Missing characters! digital game is available online:

www.pukstaavi.fi/kirjanjahistoriankoti. After opening the link, enter first the game in Finnish by clicking the text “Kirjan ja historian koti”. Then open the game by clicking the image of the woman, poet Kirsi Kunnas, in the window. After the game page opens in Finnish, opt for the English version by clicking the flag in the upper right corner.

This project has been funded by the regional development project for culture, Operation Pirkanmaa.

More information:

The Foundation of Finnish Book Institute
Curator Mari Immonen
+358 50 313 1411
mari.immonen@pukstaavi.fi