New book: The Christmas Tomte

Snow is falling on Pettson’s farm, and Christmas is approaching. Findus, the talking cat, tells Pettson that he is excited about the Yule Tomte visiting and bringing gifts. Oh dear, thinks Pettson, How can I explain that the Yule Tomte may not visit cats?

But Findus is adamant that the Yule Tomte must visit, and Pettson does not want Findus to be upset. And so, Pettson comes up with a scheme to build a Yule Tomte that can move and speak and give Findus gifts. But it is going to be very difficult to keep this secret from the curious cat, and even harder to design a convincing mechanical Yule Tomte! What could possibly go wrong? Perhaps what Pettson needs is a little bit of Christmas magic…

In Sweden it is not Father Christmas who brings children their Christmas presents but the Yule Tomte. Sometimes seen riding on a goat, the Tomte delivers presents after dinner on Christmas Eve. Another charming tradition is the snow lantern, where children add their wish list to a snowball on the top of a pyramid of similar balls with a candle inside. If the list has gone in the morning then it means the Tomte has found your message.


This is a new, longer Findus book for your collection in 17 chapters, translated into English by Nathan Large, with Sven Nordqvist’s engaging illustrations throughout. This seasonal chapter book is perfect for reading aloud to children in the run up to Christmas. 


Review: Advent and Christmas Stories

Another delightful review from Adventureswithmonster/@thepndmonster – many thanks! This one is short and sweet.

Advent and Christmas Stories ‘A treasury of stories, verse and song’ takes the reader on a magical journey through the festive season.

Beginning with Advent and continuing through to Christmas, the book comprises mainly of stories, verses and songs focusing on the traditional Christmas story, but with the addition of tales which tell of the role of a selection of animals, which is a lovely touch. There are also some stories and songs with a less or non-religious focus, like the story of ‘The Too Little Fir Tree’ 

As an afterword, a chapter is included on ‘setting the mood for storytelling’ which is well worth a read, in fact I would suggest you read the entire book cover to cover before bringing the stories to children. Get a feel for what is included first and then set the scene for some festive storytelling, perhaps around the tree with a warm, festive drink and some gingerbread cookies?

christmas tree illustration

Buy the book here…

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