Customer Reviews

The Tomten

5 star:		(7)
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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 is a book that my mother read to me as a child and the story of the gentle, mysterious little tomten checking in on the farm animals at night, resonated with me all these years. I am now delighted to be reading this book to my two children. My son especially loves the story and the pictures. The text has a beautiful melodic flow to it and I find it an excellent bedtime book to read, especially on those nights when the kids are a little over-tired and wound-up. It seems to put everyone into a calm, "feel good" kind of mood.

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.

The story and the pictures......... this book is lovely beyond words. My two year old likes it as much as my six year old. The Tomten is a wonderful winter book that assures children that everything is right with the world. Everything is safe and magical and just as it should be.

I purchased this for my toddler and it has become mine and his most favourite bedtime story ever! The poetic phrase and rhythm, and the lovely illustrations are heartwarming, tender, and inspiring. Our imaginations run after the Tomten and we wish he spoke to us "in tomten language - a silent little language we can understand"!

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.