Peter in Blueberry Land: Mini Edition

This book is without doubt one of the best children's books out there. Elsa Beskow, having written most of her works between 1900-1925, doesn't have the same exposure in bookstores of more recent authors backed by large publishing houses, but her books are true gems. "Peter in Blueberry Land" is an excellent story full of adventure and humor but absent any saccharine moralizing or fluffy language. The illustrations are balanced, appealing, and elegant. The couplets in this story actually rhyme in the original Swedish edition, but the translation is quite good and captures the correct tone. Great for age 18 months and up. Don't forget to look at Beskow's other books too.

I became discouraged with other books that others had given us. They were so loud and in your face drawings- hard on the eyes and I was really becoming aware of the yukky content in some of these 'modern' story books. So when we heard about these books I purchased this one first. My 2.5 yr old son is captivated by it and we've read it every night for a week- he knows half the story all ready! The drawings are so beautiful and within the story there are so many good things that happen- the boys help to fill Peters basket with berries, they comb their hair and clean their teeth and hands before they go see Mrs. Cranberry. The fact that Peter is looking for berries for his mothers birthday is touching too. Overall it's just a real 'feel good' book. I can't wait to be able to afford more! :-)

This book is perfect for children ages 2-6. It is innocent, no bad words at all. Elsa Beskow is very educated about plants and herbs and her drawings are accurate. I can't even count how many times we've read this book. Every one of her books are spectacular, very well suited for homeschoolers of pagan and Christian inclinations; only in Christopher's Harvest and Around the Year,is there mention of God in the Christian sense, but I still think they are worth while books.

Peter has set out in the forest to find berries for his mother's birthday gift, but where are the berries? Fortunately, the mouse-sized King of Blueberry Land arrives, taps Peter on his toe, shrinks him down to his size, and takes him on a magical adventure picking berries, harnessing mice, sailing in slips of bark, and chirping with crickets. My 2- and 4-year-old children love this book. The story perfectly touches the imagination of young ones and its magical possibilities. The illustrations are simple, yet beautiful. This book would be a wonderful addition to any young child's library.

I was delighted to learn that Elsa Beskow's book "Peter in Blueberry Land" was still in print. My grandfather in Norway sent it to me as a gift when I was a child and I just loved the story and the beautiful and wonderful illustrations. It is a book that has stood the test of time--Elsa Beskow first published the book in 1901.Now, I have purchased a copy for my grandchildren. The story is one of a small boy and his adventures (in dream sequence) of picking blueberries for his mother's birthday gift.