Ulf Stark (1944–2017)

Grump was a solitary tomte, living in the converted doghouse of a long abandoned old home, and although he continued his duties of keeping an eye on the place, he was none too happy about it. Grudgingly caring for a sleepy bee that he had rescued from a spider's web, he became extremely irate after losing both mittens and hat to the strong December winds, deciding that he would no longer be a tomte at all. Elsewhere, a large and happy family of rabbits, discovering his hat and mittens, and show more learning that they belonged to the "Yule Tomte," become convinced that Grump is coming to visit them. Together with the other woodland animals, the rabbits make all of the preparations they can for the visit, only to find themselves waiting in vain. Can Binny and Barty, two of the rabbit family's youngest members, track down the tomte, and bring him to the Christmas celebration...?

Originally published in Swedish as Jul i Stora Skogen, and then in English by the Edinburgh-based Floris Books, The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits: A Christmas Story for Advent is a sweet work of fantasy for the holiday season. Divided into twenty-five short chapters, it is intended to be read throughout the season of Advent, although I myself read it in one sitting. I love stories about tomte - little gnome-like creatures said to care for homes and farms in Scandinavian folklore, they are known as nisse in Norway and Denmark - and have been meaning to read Ulf Stark's book for a few years now. I'm glad I did, as I found the story both humorous and heartwarming. I particularly liked the subtle way in which Grump is depicted, as he verbally grouches at the various animal characters he encounters, declaring he isn't interested in taking care of them, all while taking care of them. The accompanying artwork from Eva Eriksson is lovely, capturing the charm of the characters and the beauty of the wintry world around them. Recommended to young fantasy lovers looking for stories about tomte, or set at Christmas. For my part, I look forward to reading the summer sequel, The Midsummer Tomte and the Little Rabbits. show less

Grump the tomte and all of his woodland friends return in this follow-up to Swedish author/illustrator team Ulf Stark and Eva Eriksson's The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits. As Grump tries to deny the sense of loss and loneliness he feels when the bumblebee he rescued and cared for departs, the Rabbit family learns about Midsummer, and wonder whether they can put together some appropriate festivities. But when a terrible storm and flood strikes the forest, all the little animals head to show more Grump's seeking shelter and care. There, after various dramas are resolved, both Grump and Binny Rabbit tie themselves to the one they love, and a wonderful Midsummer celebration is had by all...

Originally published in Sweden as Sommar i Stora Skogen, and then translated into English by Susan Beard and published by the Edinburgh-based Floris Books, The Midsummer Tomte and the Little Rabbits is a worthy successor to the earlier book featuring these characters. Divided into twenty-one very short chapters, it would make a wonderful multiple-day bedtime story, particularly for young children who love both fairy-tales and animal stories. I appreciated the way that the narrative depicted Grump, who is genuinely grumpy and often very gruff on the outside, but whose actions show him to be generous and kind, as I think this subtly teaches children the lesson that sometimes people's bite is worse than their bite, and that there is a difference between being nice, and being kind. As with the earlier title, I found the artwork here delightful, and thought it perfectly captured the beauty of the summertime world, and the charm of the animals and tomte. Recommended to anyone who has already read and enjoyed the first book about Grump, as well as to young fantasy lovers looking for stories about tomte, or set at Midsummer. show less

Second in series but I had not read the first and fully understood the characters and setting after the first chapter. These are Ulf's reminiscences of his life growing up in Sweden after the second world war. Percy is a boy who is fairly new to their school but has become Ulf's best friend ( in the first book) and now it looks like he will have to move. Percy does everything to "hate" his new life in the village - even breaking a window in the classroom at one stage - so that it will not show more hurt so much when he leaves. Ulf wants desperately to help but has his own troubles with Lasse the village bully, who forces Ulf to get cakes from the local shop and put thenm on his mother's "account" or risk a boxing glove to the face. Ulf tries his hand at hypnotism and also thinks he has convinced the local beauty Marianne to be his girlfriend. But it is his father's ham radio contact with the Sheik that changes everything. A delightful, old world story of another time and place where the characters are semi-oblivious to to what is obvious to the reader. Not sure our "sophisticated" teenagers would like this one but I think adults would love it. show less

What a treasure of a fable. A very quick read, illustrated, but it's got humor, pathos, and a heck of a lot of wisdom. Definitely for all ages. Perfect for a family to read aloud together, whether or not they have (or have lost) a grandfather. Secular, but with enough of a spiritual vibe that I don't imagine Christians will be bothered.

There is a cigar, and some *very* petty 'theft' so you might want to be ready to discuss those aspects with your children.