The Tomten and the Fox
Written by Astrid Lindgren ● Illustrated by Harald Wiberg
Verdict:
A particularly beautiful picture book — both in word and image — from the creator of Pippi Longstockings, The Tomten and the Fox invites young readers into a beguiling folktale of equal parts suspense, calm, and coziness.
What is it about?
In the depths of winter, a hungry fox comes to a farm in search of food. Foxes like chicken dinners, and would like nothing more than to devour any number of the farm animals. But this farm is guarded by a Tomten, a small troll, invisible to humans, who protects the farm, as long as its humans feed him. In this retelling of a Swedish folktale, the Tomten cleverly finds a way to both save the animals on the farm and feed the fox.
Our take:
This story offers a lovely dose of both suspense and calm for readers of all ages, and is ideal for reading just before bed. It is a very beautiful book, especially the edition with art by Harald Wiberg. Full-page, detailed watercolor illustrations on one side and easy to read text on the other invite the reader into a wintry night and conjure a beguiling atmosphere of both frightening nature and coziness. The quality of the illustrations is the kind that helps children learn to appreciate beauty and craftsmanship. The story is based a poem, so it too is lyrical. On every page, the reader can find the fox, sometimes big and sometimes small. The suspense is present but not too intense, and the resolution is satisfying.
Perfect for:
A picture book for all ages, this story is worthy of inclusion in both home and school libraries. It is also suitable for non-readers, or those learning to read in a new language, as the pictures tell the story on their own. It’s a quiet book, good for cozy evenings and winter days, but also fitting for group and classroom reading. Because it is well-laid out, with large illustrations, a group of listeners can easily follow the story in pictures as someone reads.
Discussion Starters
What is a Tomten? Do you think your home has one, even though people never see it?
How do you get a Tomten to stay?
What does a Tomten do?
Why did the fox not want to eat the cows? The mice?
Who does things for you that sometimes you do not see?
What can you do for somebody to show that you are thankful for what that person does for you?
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