Hilkka Wiesner, born and raised in Finland, completed her studies in English and Nordic Philology at the University of Oulu in 2002. She began her teaching career in Finland before relocating to Germany in 2006, where she continues to teach languages. When she’s not in the classroom, Hilkka enjoys spending time outdoors with her two children or immersing herself in nature. She also has a deep love for music and has recently begun learning to play the piano. A passionate linguist, she embraces every opportunity to learn new languages. Hilkka divides her time between Germany and her native Finland, returning twice a year to visit family. Her journey into writing children’s stories began when her children were still in elementary school—she started inventing imaginative adventures they loved to hear. One of those stories evolved into the tale of Jonas Pail, a boy chosen for a great mission. The story was inspired by Hilkka’s own son, who not only shaped the main character but also helped design some of the monsters and critters featured in the adventure