InventorJohanna – From Book to Doll: the character that inspires young inventors

Inventor Johanna is many children's favorite and many preschools work with the books, but there was no doll! We came into contact with the author Ann-Christine Magnusson and the illustrator Lovisa Lesse and an exciting collaboration began. Together with the creative minds behind UppfinnarJohanna, we have realized Johanna's journey from book and film to a doll that can accompany children in their world of play and discovery.

In this interview, Ann-Christine and Lovisa share the story behind UpfinnarJohanna and the path to creating a doll that is as curious as Johanna herself.

Tell us a little bit about who InventorJohanna is.

Inventor Johanna wants to become the world's best inventor, and to become one she has to practice every day.

Johanna is 8 years old and she has two little brothers, Sten and Stanley, who are her biggest supporters.

All inventions don't always turn out the way Johanna envisioned, but it usually turns out well anyway!

Inventor johanna with her brothers Stan and Stanley.

How long has Uppinnarjohanna been around?

The first book about UpfinnarJohanna was published in 2007

How did she come about?

Ann-Christine Magnusson is the author of the books and films about UpfinnarJohanna.

In 2006, Ann-Christine, who had already published a number of children's books, was contacted by the then brand new book publisher OLIKA .

She wanted to write about an enterprising and inventive girl and OLIKA connected her with the illustrator Lovisa Lesse.

The discussion about what Johanna would look like began to take shape. The book 'Här kommer UppfinnarJohanna' was the first book published by OLIKA publishers.

How was the process when creating the doll?

After a number of meetings where we balled most of the time with Watoto; the color of clothes, stuffing, whether she should have ears or not, how big her hairballs should be, etc., that's how we arrived at the doll that exists now. We are so happy that Watoto Arts has made such a nice UppginnarJohanna doll. We just want to hug her!

A picture from the first meeting with Lovisa and ch Ann-Christine where we presented the first sketch and chose fabrics and colors.

Do you have a special memory from UpfinnarJohanna?

Absolutely, a lot has happened to Johanna over the years!

In addition to all the "read-aloud" books, we have just published the first beginning-to-read book as well!

It was also fun turning the books into animated movies for UR-Play . And with the best Angelika Prick as Johanna's voice.

Another thing that felt funny was when the Arbetets Museum in Norrköping contacted us and wanted UppfinnarJohanna to be part of their permanent exhibition for the preschool in 'Lilla Arbetets'.

It's also fun when schools/preschools want us to come and talk about Inventions and technology within Creative Schools.

We love meeting all inventive and curious children! So we are very happy to do that.

And now - last but not least - Johanna has become a wonderful doll! Great fun!

What do you think a doll can contribute to the character?

Among other things, we have heard from preschools that the UpfinnarJohanna doll has been allowed to accompany them on their excursions!

Discovering nature together with the children is something we think UpfinnarJohanna likes to do. ; )

When the Johanna doll is included in the children's games, the character develops and we hope it contributes to increased creativity and creativity.

From left: Lovisa, Hamid, Ann-Christin, Fatma

Who do you think should have an InfinnarJohanna doll?

All curious and quirky children who like to play should have a Johanna doll to discover the world with!

Infinnarjohanna is available as a book, film and now finally as a soft doll!