About the book
What is Lumi and the Wolf about?
It’s a heart-warming, epic adventure across the snowy wilderness and cosy settings of Lapland about a lonely autistic girl who decides to save a wild wolf by leading him to a national park. Perfect for readers 8+ and fans of Hannah Gold, Elle McNicoll and Michael Morpurgo.
What age group is Lumi and the Wolf for?
The official age recommendation is 8–12, but I believe anyone can read middle-grade fiction: younger confident readers, and adults too!
When was it published?
The hardback was published in the UK on 24 September 2026. The paperback comes out in February 2027.
Will there be illustrations or maps?
Yes! The book is full of pages from Lumi’s Forest Diary, which I illustrated myself. The cover is by the amazing, award-winning Jason Cockcroft. You might recognise the three original Harry Potter covers he illustrated!
Lumi, nature and Lapland
Is the main character neurodivergent?
Yes, Lumi is autistic. She is highly sensitive, very creative, and sees the world in pictures and stories. She struggles with small talk and sometimes takes things too literally. But over the course of the story, she learns that her differences are her strengths.
Does the book have environmental or nature themes?
Yes, the book talks about climate change and about how we can help protect our environment, for example by reducing food waste.
Does the book include Finnish culture or mythology?
Yes! I’m so proud to represent my beautiful home country in this book. Lumi tries ice swimming, sauna and ice fishing, and learns stories from Sámi folklore during her time in Lapland.
Is there animal danger or loss in the book?
Lumi and the wolf come across one dead reindeer. It isn’t described in a gruesome way, but Lumi is very upset by the sight.
Teachers and parents
Is Lumi and the Wolf suitable for the classroom?
For sure! It’s a great book for discussing global warming or neurodivergence, and at the same time a pacy adventure with high stakes. With main characters of both genders, it works for every child in the class. I also visit schools: find out more about my school visits.
Is Lottie Saahko a pen name?
“Lottie” is my nickname, which I use for my middle-grade fiction. I’ve published narrative non-fiction and picture books in Finland under my full name, Lotta-Sofia Saahko.
How can I support the book?
Buying the book from your local bookshop, asking your library to stock it and marking it as “Want to Read” on Goodreads all make a real difference. Sharing it with friends, librarians and teachers, or on social media, helps too!