I will write for as long as it feels good.
I never think or calculate what the children would like to read. I write the kind of text that I would read myself. Often, the topic for a new book comes from something that has happened to me or someone close to me. I usually don't put it in the book as such, but exaggerate and invent more. I read the text out loud, which is why the books are very dramatic, full of emotion and humor.
1955-1988
Where it all began
Tiina was born in Helsinki in 1955 in the Arabia district where the Nopola family lived, and relocated to Tampere in 1957. The sisters first attended Aleksanteri public school and then Tampere co-educational school, after which Tiina studied to be a kindergarten teacher. She was told that simply because she likes children, she should work with them too. Tiina continued her studies and graduated in 1982 as a special kindergarten teacher.
In 1988, a publisher asked Sinikka to write a children's book. Sinikka asked Tiina for help as she didn't think she knew any children well enough to write them a book. Tiina, on the other hand, knew because she worked in a kindergarten, but couldn't imagine how it would be possible to write a book together with her older sister. Tiina hadn't thought of becoming a writer, but Sinikka was persistent and finally Tiina agreed. Later, Sinikka explained the event so, that since she was a writer, Tiina had to become one too.
1989
Hayflower and Quiltshoe
The sisters recalled their childhood quirks and pitched ideas to the editor. He asked to develop those ideas and use a little more imagination. That's how the story of Hayflower and Quiltshoe was born, two siblings, one of whom is a very conscious, responsible child, the other carefree and rebellious. The first joint book was published in 1989. A total of 20 Hayflower and Quiltshoe books have been published. Markus Majaluoma was the illustrator at the beginning, nowadays Salla Savolainen illustrates the Heinähattu and Vilttitussu books. Four Hayflower and Quiltshoe films have also been released and they been seen by over 800,000 people.
1997
Ricky Rapper
In 1997, a new series began to appear: Ricky Rapper. It's about an 11-year-old red-haired boy who lives with his aunt Rauha. Ricky's father is dead and his mother is a researcher abroad. Ricky's role model is Sinikka's son, who built drums out of trays and buckets when he was a little boy. The events of the first books are based on a few things that happened to Sinikka and her son. But most of the stories are made up. The sisters Sinikka (1953- 2021) and Tiina came up with the idea of Ricky Rapper first in 1995 when they were asked to create an animated character for a television children's program. The books were originally illustrated by Sami Toivonen and Aino Havukainen, with whom we developed the visual appearance of Risto and other characters appearing in the books. Overall, 32 books have been published in the series and they are currently illustrated by Christel Rönns.
2002
Siri
In 2002, Tiina's own series of picture books began to appear, which tells the story of 6-year-old Siri. It was modeled on Tiina's daughter Emma, whose kindergarten memories gave rise to the book. There were also three Ottos in the kindergarten, which the children called little Otto, middle Otto, and big Otto to distinguish them from each other. The first book was called Siri and three Ottos. Tiina once asked for permission from the boys to use their names in the books. Since the early 2000's, 17 Siri books have been published, all illustrated by Mervi Lindman.
2002-2010
The stage and musicals
Also in 2002, the Nopola's wrote the children's musical Ricky Rapper and freezer Frannie, which was composed by Iiro Rantala and was performed during the Helsinki festival weeks. The Rapper musical was followed by Hayflower, Quiltshoe and the Rubens brothers, which was performed at the Kansallisteatteri from 2003 to 2007. Together, Tiina and Sinikka wrote more than 15 play scripts that have been performed all over Finland, from summer plays to school productions. The first musical was also the founding idea for the movie Ricky Rapper, which premiered in 2008. And that's when the movies started.
2012-2025
Films
By the year 2025, there have been a total of 14 films, ten Ricky Rappers and four Hayflower and Quiltshoe films. Sinikka and Tiina wrote every singe script together and acted as producers in more than ten films. The collaboration went well because they had such a similar sense of language and humour and the fact that they were very close: you can tell the other directly if you don't like his idea.
Tiina's daughter Emma Nopola is Tiina's current work partner and the cooperation works between mother and daughter as well. In total, there have been more than 2.5 million viewers. Tiina continues to make films as a producer and screenwriter, and is probably writing something as we speak.
Awards
Awards won together with Sinikka Nopola.
Arvid Lydecken - award
Tiina and Sinikka Nopola 1991
Pirkanmaan Plättä - award
Tiina and Sinikka Nopola 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2012
Anni Swan - award
Tiina and Sinikka Nopola Hayflower, Quiltshoe ja the Rubens brothers 2003
The Finnish State Prize for the Arts
Sinikka and Tiina Nopola and Mari Rantasila Ricky Rapper films 2011
News and Happenings
Latest updates.
Ricky Rapper and the doppelganger - in cinemas soon!
Ricky Rapper and the doppelganger is set to premiere in cinema on 14 February 2025. The film is the tenth in the series.
Ricky Rapper and the wrong Vincent in cinemas 9th October 2020!
Ricky Rapper and the wrong Vincent movie premieres on 9 October 2020. The eighth Ricky Rapper film is based on the novel Ricky Rapper and the wrong Vincent (2017). It is both a thriller comedy and a parody of art snobbery.