Gift ideas for a Swedish Christmas

Ljuva Svenska Jul CD

Jul med Adolf Fredrik CD

Absolute Christmas CD

Nu tändas tusen juleljus CD

Tomtenissarnas Julverkstad Julkalender DVD

 
Found: New Book By Astrid Lindgren

Astrid Lindgren's Christmas story "The Tomten" - in English - can be found in many Swedish-American homes, but it has never previously been published in its original text - in Swedish.

Written by world-famous Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, "The Tomten" is a truly unique Christmas story. The illustrations are the work of the Swedish Arts Council Award winner Kitty Crowther.

The original manuscript of "The Tomten" was written in the early 1960's. Rabén & Sjögren had by then published Tomten, a poem by Viktor Rydberg carrying illustrations by Harald Wiberg. Several European publishers wanted to publish Wiberg's drawings but not Rydberg's poem. Astrid Lindgren wrote a new story and named it "Tomte Tummetott" to accompany Wiberg's illustrations. In Germany, "Tomte Tummetott" became a children's classic. In English, the book was titled "The Tomten." The original manuscript was for many years thought to be lost, but was recently discovered by German publisher Silke Weitendorf, daughter of Lindgren's friends Friedrich and Heidi Oetinger.

This inspiringly beautiful picture book depicts a magical winter's night on an old farm located deep in the woods. The story is solemn, yet refreshingly down to earth. A love of life and a deeply rooted humility toward all beings is ever-present throughout the story with the farmstead gnome - a tomte - as the subtle symbol for unconditional love.

The tomte has a gentle compassion with all animals on the farm. The dog on its lead, the cows in the barn and the workhorse in its stable is all very touching. He caresses the needy, consoles the sad and ingests courage in those in need of faith. The tomte speaks a quiet language that the animals understand. He speaks of rich fields and lush meadows. And he feeds the critters of the farm a little extra in times of need. The midwinter night is dark and cold but the tomte keeps a watchful eye on the grounds, keeping the animals safe as he moves around the farm each night.

Tomten är vaken 

Kitty Crowther's sensitive illustrations are rich with sincerity. The settings and the mood of the winter night alike are wonderfully crafted and the delicate portrait of the closeness and subtle love between the tomte and the animals invoke a warm feeling of Christmas peace and harmony.

Note: All the DVDs listed here are European imports (DVD Region 2).

 
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