Children of the Forest (1910)

This delightful little picture-book fantasy from Elsa Beskow - first published in Sweden in 1910, as Tomtebobarnen ("Brownie Children") - is a celebration of the natural world, and of the seasons of the year, as seen by a family of tiny woodland brownies. Mother, Father, and four children - Tom, Harriet, Sam and Daisy - all live together in a snug little house "under the curling roots of an old pine tree." The four siblings have many adventures in their forest home, playing with their animal friends, attending the school taught by Mrs. Owl, and working together with their parents, to gather the food they need for the long winter. Over the course of one year, these "children of the forest" learn a few lessons - like never harming any creature, unless it poses a danger - and have lots of fun.

With an engaging narrative that blends fantastic and realistic elements - the tomtar may be creatures of myth (or are they?), but the other flora and fauna depicted here are true to life - and charming illustrations, Children of the Forest is the ideal selection for the child who looks for brownies or fairies in the world around them, or who enjoys walking in (and dreaming of) the woods. It is my third book by Elsa Beskow, one of Sweden's most beloved picture-books artists, but it will surely not be my last! Highly recommended to all young fairy-tale lovers, and to anyone who appreciates Beskow's artwork. ( )

This book takes children through the seasons in a way that really sparks their imaginations ( )

Lovely pictures about kindly wood goblins and theur years. Beautiful pictures. ( )