The story of Mandy and Andy began in 1982 with the publication of their ABC book. Its colorful cover features the cute kittens sitting atop a majestic rooster. For over 40 years, children have embarked on their literacy journey with the help of this joyful and fun ABC book. Simultaneously, they’ve had the pleasure of exploring numerous new adventures within the pages of Mandy and Andy’s ever-growing collection of stories.
Teuvo “Teutori” Koskinen (1941–2000), a distinguished Finnish artist, drew inspiration from real-life counterparts to create the charming cat twins. Within his extended family, there were two sibling cats as pets: one with an orange-brown coat and the other, gray. The adventurous duo in the books, marked by Mandy’s cleverness and Andy’s playful misadventures, mirrors these actual cats. Their names in Finnish, Miina and Manu, also echo their real-life origins. Intriguingly, the real-life kittens also had an uncle called Sulo, who served as inspiration for Uncle Tobias (in Finnish called Sulo) in the narratives. This character emerged as a wise and nurturing figure, guiding the kittens with a blend of safety and wisdom. To top it all off, names from Teutori’s family circle also make hilarious appearances in Mandy and Andy’s adventures.
The cats live in a cozy cottage in a tranquil fairy-tale world, reminiscent of the Nordic countryside landscapes from decades past. Even Uncle Tobias’s clothing and his red convertible are not exactly the latest models. From the beginning, the world of Mandy and Andy has been governed by the same positive values: kindness, friendship, and love of nature. Their warmhearted adventures offer gentle humor that lends itself to teachable moments.
Teutori’s high-quality and skilled illustration work is the foundation of Mandy and Andy. His illustrations have become easily recognizable and beloved classics, where clarity, fun, vibrancy, and a painterly quality combine. Teutori’s name has become a guarantee of quality.
Throughout their decades-long journey, the cat twins have embarked on a wide array of adventures and everyday activities. They have visited the doctor, attended daycare and preschool, sailed on a pirate ship and traveled around the world. Best of all, we have had the opportunity to accompany them on their many educational nature excursions and learn what is truly important in life: friendship and treating others with kindness.
The adventures of Miina and Manu have been enchanting with Teutori’s masterful stroke of the pen. The characters themselves are clear and colorful outline drawings that capture children’s interest. In the background sceneries, the painterly yet meticulous brushwork reveals the artist’s love for the pristine nature.
Over time, Teutori’s illustration style evolved. The early books featured round, little kittens, who quickly transformed into the distinct cartoon-like characters familiar to us nowadays.
Teutori took pride in creating the illustrations entirely by hand, using pen and brush on paper. The final ink pen outline drawings were produced based on pencil sketches, and the characters were colored with gouache. In the backgrounds, Teutori combined watercolors and gouache, and often used colored pencils for finishing touches.
More art by Teutori: www.teutori.com
The original cats: Andy on the left and Mandy on the right. They were from the Finnish countryside, just like their famous counterparts in the books. Their home was in a small place called Hämeenkyrö!
In the world of Mandy and Andy’s children’s books, every story is a blend of joy, learning, and captivating adventures. The book series is all about growing and discovering the world with kindness, humor, and creativity.
Join us on a journey through stories that have captured hearts for generations, filled with positive messages with a sprinkle of fun and a whole lot of love.
