Learning materials by three Sanoma Learning companies received four European BELMA awards in their relevant categories at the Frankfurt Book Fair on 7 October 2026. Sanoma Pro’s mathematics series Laskupolku (grades 1– 6) and Kulma (grades 7–9) received the first and second prizes. In addition, Malmberg’s early reading series Lijn 3 and Sanoma Utbildning’s English series Companion received third prizes.

The BELMA (Best European Learning Materials Awards) competition featured 75 learning material series from 23 countries. Learning materials by Sanoma Learning companies received four prizes in total.

Sanoma Pro, Sanoma Utbildning and Malmberg teams receiveing their BELMA awards at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

The Laskupolku math series stresses personalised learning

Finnish Sanoma Pro’s mathematics series Laskupolku (grades 1– 6) received the first prize in its category. Laskupolku stresses personalised learning and offers two paths: one focusing on standard exercises and another one providing more advanced tasks. The competition’s international jury acknowledged the series for providing both support and challenge within the same topic area, without permanently dividing students into set levels based on skills. 

The jury also acknowledged the practical exercises, discussions and tasks requiring logical reasoning. For students who need additional support, the Laskupolku Oma books provide a clearer visual layout and more exercises. Digital exercises provide immediate feedback, while animations help illustrate mathematical concepts. According to the jury, the printed and digital materials complement each other in a meaningful way.

The Kulma math series develops reasoning skills and supports personalised learning

Sanoma Pro’s mathematics series Kulma (grades 7–9) received the second prize. The jury recognized Kulma for its consistent and well-structured approach, which supports personalisation and independent learning. Each topic begins with shared introductory tasks, after which students continue with one of two sets of exercises or move on to additional challenges. The parallel Kulma Oma materials provide the same content with additional support for students who need it.

The tasks encourage students to explain, justify, compare and evaluate whether their answers make sense. Real-life contexts and comic illustrations make mathematics approachable. The Taitokulma revision sections and digital checkpoints enable students to monitor their progress and assess their understanding.

The early reading series Lijn 3 enables learning through a visual system and careful pace

Dutch publisher Malmberg’s early reading series Lijn 3 introduces letters and sounds through a memorable visual system and a carefully paced sequence. The international jury commented that the stories, factual texts and attractive reading books make early literacy an enjoyable way for children to discover language and the wider world.

Two reading tracks, graded cards, books and games allow children at different stages to share themes and activities. Play, movement, paired reading and independent practice create varied ways to build confidence in reading, writing and speaking. The series’ high-quality print materials work closely with humorous films, animated characters and interactive activities. Clear lesson guidance, observation tools and adaptable digital resources support teachers, while the home-reading magazine invites families to share in children's progress. 

The English series Companion supports language learning and cultural understanding

Swedish Sanoma Utbildning’s English series Companion targeted for upper-secondary students combines language learning with cultural understanding. The international jury acknowledged the calm, well-organised design, glossaries and colour-coded chapters, which make the series easy to use.

Clear learning goals and a supportive progression guide students from understanding texts to interpretation, conversation and writing. Vocabulary help, practical language advice and exam preparation make demanding content approachable while treating learners as active partners in their own progress.

About the BELMA Awards

The BELMA awards (Best European Learning Materials Awards) is an annual European competition for learning materials that has taken place since 2009. The competition is open to publishers across Europe and is organised by the European Educational Publishers Group (EEPG), the Frankfurt Book Fair and the International Association for Research on Textbooks and Educational Media (IARTEM). Entries are evaluated by an independent international expert jury. 

Learn more about BELMA. 

For more information about Sanoma Learning, visit sanomalearning.com.