The Leading Role

By Tuula Pere

January 15^th, 2026

The Leading Role

Emma's dream of creating a theater comes true with help from her friends. At the Attic Theater, there's plenty for everyone to do: write a play; perform; be a prompter; and build sets. But who will play the leading role when the premiere comes?

Written by Tuula Pere

Illustrated by Dane D'Angeli

Published by Wickwick 2026:

ISBN 978-952-82-0252-3 (Hardcover)
ISBN 978-952-82-0253-0 (Softcover)
ISBN 978-952-82-0254-7 (Softcover, Premium Color)
ISBN 978-952-82-0255-4 (ePub)

32 pages

A girl sits in a rocking chair in a dimly lit attic. Light streams in, illuminating the dusty floorboards. She looks concerned.

A child with blonde hair speaks, illuminated by a bright light, as a man and woman watch.

A girl with rainbow streaks in her hair stands on a wooden crate, gesturing while speaking to four other children.

Two young girls face each other inside a makeshift tent. One girl holds a script, while the other gestures with excitement, rainbow streaks in her hair. Warm light emanates from the tent's opening.

A group of children stands on a wooden stage with a red curtain backdrop. Two girls face each other, one with rainbow-streaked hair. Three other children look on with varied expressions.

A man in a hat gestures emphatically toward a young girl who sits looking worried. The man stands before a red curtain, while the girl sits on a wooden floor.

Two cartoon portraits face each other against a light blue background. On the left, a man with auburn hair in a bun wears a purple vest. On the right, a woman with short brown hair and rainbow streaks raises her hands.

Four children perform on stage under bright lights, arms linked, as a woman applauds from the audience.

Näyttämön tähti (Finnish)

Emma toteuttaa unelmansa omasta teatterista yhdessä ystäviensä kanssa. Ullakkoteatterissa riittää tekemistä kaikille. Tarvitaan käsikirjoittaja, ohjaaja, näyttelijät ja kuiskaaja. Lavasteetkin on rakennettava. Mutta kuka esiintyy pääroolissa, kun ensi-ilta koittaa?