The Tomten

It wasn’t endearing or whimsical. It was just a story of a creepy little troll/gnome sneaking around, staring at kids & chanting over your livestock as you slept. The origin of tomtens stated, “Despite being tiny, they were also known to have a temper, playing tricks or killing livestock if offended by rudeness.” Maybe this particular story didn’t translate well from the original language but in the immortal words of Randy Jackson: It’s gonna be a no from me, dawg.

When winter arrives and strange footprints appear in the snow, let Young minds come alive with this tale. A hint of mystery and a promise of spring. Beautiful illustrations.

I was so glad to find this book in Spanish- the translation is well done. We are raising my son bilingual, and finding gems like this available to read in Spanish is a big deal. A very sweet story about the tomte!!! I love reading this one, and am excited to add it to our collection. It makes you feel so very cozy, and it connects back to my own Swedish family heritage. Big fan!

The Tomten was my first and favorite childhood book. Today, I read it to my daughter as her bedtime story. It is her favorite book also. This book is the perfect comforting bedtime story for children of all ages. The author magically weaves fantasy and security into the story of The Tomten. Reading The Tomten gives you that "safe in the bed between your parents" feeling we all remember.The author, Austrid Lindgren, passed away today. The world has lost a timeless treasure. Thank you Mrs. Lindgren. You will be missed by generations.

I have loved this book for over 40 years. The copy I have was printed in Sweden a long time ago but I am very glad that this story is available as a nicely affordable paperback because it's such a sweet and comforting tale that lots of children will love. The beautiful illustrations capture perfectly the crisp, cold, snowy atmosphere of a still winter's night as the Tomten, a small spirit and guardian of a humble farm homestead goes about on his secret rounds doing his caretaker duties in his gentle, loving way. He whispers encouragment to the sleeping animals and children. He has seen many hundreds of winters and so he knows that "winters come and winters go, summers come and summers go" and the wheel of the year turns on and on. I encourage you to read this to children to help them feel safe and cozy and snug in their beds on a cold, dark winter's night...maybe try it this Winter Solstice and be sure to keep a look-out for tiny footprints in the snow around your home.

"The Tomten" by Astrid Lindgren is one of the most comforting books for children. The story remains with them through a lifetime. My 32 year old son and 35 year old nephew still would like to have "Tomten" books to read to the young ones in their families.

A tomten is a gnome like creature that stands watch while the rest of the world is sleeping. This old tale should be recommended reading for everyone. The tomten is disappearing with our grandparents and great-grandparents. This is a wonderful tale!

As a swedish kid it is a tradirion to read this book. Tomten is a rime about a smal helper we belived in in north europe Viktor rydberg and Astrid Lindgren have done an excelent work trying to put down in words and picture what makes winter and christmas so special.