Books

Every month of this Sverigealmanackan (Swedish Calendar) presents a colorful provincial countryside, village, or farm scene by Swedish artist Erkers Marie Persson. Typical folk costumes and interesting information about the province and the scene depicted also are included. Swedish Name Days are listed. The text is in Swedish, English and German. The days of the week arranged European-style, with the week beginning on Monday and ending with Sunday.

This smaller version of the immensely popular Swedish calendar (#6440) or Sverigealmanackan, features pictures of 12 different Swedish scenes by Erkers Marie Persson. Typical folk costumes and interesting information about the province and the scene depicted also are included. Swedish Name Days are listed. The text is in Swedish, English and German. The days of the week are arranged European-style, with the week beginning on Monday and ending with Sunday.

Born into poverty, Carl Larsson (Swedish, 1853–1919) earned a scholarship to study art and succeeded in supporting himself as an illustrator of books and periodicals. He lived in Paris for several years before moving in 1882 to the Scandinavian artists’ colony of Grèz-sur-Loing. There he met artist Karin Bergöö, who encouraged Larsson’s transition from large-scale allegorical oil painting to light-infused watercolor—the medium for which he would become best known. Under her influence, Larsson began to produce the light, bright paintings, modest in scale and subject, that set him apart as one of Sweden’s most beloved artists. The two married and moved into a cozy cottage called Lilla Hyttnäs in rural Sundborn, Sweden, where they started a family, producing eight children. In Sundborn, Larsson found his artistic voice, documenting his home, family, friends and neighbors in charming detail, as these images attest.

Size: 12"x13"; opens to 12"x26".

This is a classic picture book and story of the Tomten, a little elf who walks around a lonely, old farmstead on a winter night. In English. Originally written in Swedish by Astrid Lindgren, based on a poem by Viktor Rydberg. Paperback. 28 pages.

Pippi, the girl with the upside-down braids and no parents to tell her what to do, delights children around the world. This is the first book in the series (of three), and introduces us to Pippi and her crazy household, and Tommy and Annika, the kids next door. Of interest to kids ages 4 and older, and for young readers ages 8 to 12. By beloved Swedish author, Astrid Lindgren. 

You can dance, you can jive as you celebrate the iconic pop band ABBA with this collectible and beautifully illustrated Little Golden Book! Their memorable melodies and lyrics still make people want to get up and dance!

Find out all about the Swedish band ABBA—from winning the Eurovision Song Contest, to their rise to global stardom with unforgettable songs like "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia," and their lasting influence on pop music.

24 pages. Hardcover.

Let Brontë Aurell of The ScandiKitchen Café show you how to celebrate your Christmas Scandi-style by sharing her delicious recipes and family traditions with you.

Anyone who has ever been in Scandinavian in December will know that Scandinavians really love Christmas. From huddling up in candlelit snowed-in cottages to consuming glögg at every opportunity, Christmas is peak-hygge season all over Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Everything reverts back to tradition once Advent Sunday has come along.

From saffron scented bakes to “gingerbread spice in everything!”, Christmas is the time to break the never-ending darkness with edible treats and joyful feelings. Scandinavians visit friends and families taking along something home baked to share. They have Jul-Smörgåsbord parties where old and young celebrate with a spread of traditional dishes and delicacies. Everything they do for Jul is centered around food, tradition, and home comforts.

Join Brontë and feel the warmth, even when it’s cold outside!

Brontë Aurell is a Danish cook, author, entrepreneur, and restaurateur. She runs two ScandiKitchen Cafés in Central London and is owner of ScandiKitchen food imports (supplying food businesses across the UK). Brontë has been published widely in national magazines and newspapers, including The Guardian, The Times, and Olive. Brontë and her food have also featured on BBC Radio, Channel 4, and Danish TV.

160 pages.  Hardcover.

Arctic Circle, Lingonberries, Sauna — this exciting new children’s picturebook is a colorful A-to-Z tour of all the Nordic countries. Page by page and letter by letter another generation will be introduced to Scandinavian history, culture and traditions. By Kathy-jo Wargin; Renee Graef, illustrator. 

Five hundred years before Columbus, a Viking woman named Gudrid sailed off the edge of the known world. This book traces her footsteps and sheds light on an extraordinary woman and the society in which she lived. This best-selling non-fiction account reads like a novel!

The tomten who lives on the farm keeps the animals safe from the hungry fox. A delightful book by Astrid Lindgren, one of Sweden's best-loved authors. Paperback. 30 pages.

Pippi, the girl with the upside-down braids and no parents to tell her what to do, delights children around the world. This is the third book in the series of three. Of interest to kids age 4 and older, and for young readers ages 8 to 12. By beloved Swedish author, Astrid Lindgren.

Pippi, the girl with the upside-down braids and no parents to tell her what to do, delights children around the world. This is the second book in the series of three. Of interest to kids ages 4 and older, and for young readers ages 8 to 12. By beloved Swedish author, Astrid Lindgren. 

Da vait is over!

Everyone can use a good laugh once in a while and this collection of Ole & Lena jokes are just the ticket! Quaint and well-meaning, Ole & Lena jokes celebrate the quirky folk humor of the Scandinavian immigrant community. You’ll laugh ’til your socks fall down!

Paperback (5" x 7"). 48 pages, b&w illustrations. By Mike & Else Sevig.

The definitive history of the Vikings -- from arts and culture to politics and cosmology -- by a distinguished archaeologist with decades of expertise.
 
The Viking Age -- from 750 to 1050 -- saw an unprecedented expansion of the Scandinavian peoples into the wider world. As traders and raiders, explorers and colonists, they ranged from eastern North America to the Asian steppe. This is a deeply researched history that completely reimagines the way the Vikings lived and their impact on the world. From Eirík Bloodaxe, who fought his way to a kingdom, to Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir, the most traveled woman in the world, Children of Ash and Elm is the definitive history of the Vikings and their time. Neil Price does a tremendous job of capturing the richness and sophistication of Viking culture.

Neil Price is distinguished professor and chair of archaeology at Uppsala University, Sweden. He has been researching, teaching, and writing on the Vikings for nearly thirty-five years and is the author of several books on the history of the Viking Age. He lives in Sweden. He served as an historical consultant and lead presenter for the History Channel's series, Real Vikings, and consultant for The Vikings Begin exhibit at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis.

640 pages.  Paperback.

374 pages. The Blackwell Pages. By K. L. Armstrong and Melisa Marr

Dad's made a delicious-looking pancake and everyone wants some -- but the pancake has other ideas!

From smörgåsbord and St. Lucia processions to Christmas Eve gatherings with family and friends, Swedish Americans are linked through the generations by a legacy of meatballs and lutfisk.

Per, the youngest son, didn't inherit as much as his older brothers — only a handsomely carved and painted wooden horse. But he knew that one day the horse would prove useful. Stunning colored-pencil illustrations by Yvonne Gilbert and spirited text by Rebecca Hickox. Paperback. 30 pages.

Peek inside the busy Svensson house in Sweden, where Sofie, Louise and Carl are getting ready for Lucia Day, December 13. Follow their adventures through the day and learn how to create your own Lucia Day celebration. Written by Ewa Rydaker. Illustrations by Carina Stahlberg. 36 pages. Paperback. Recipes, songs and patterns for Lucia gown and Starboy outfits included.

Over 100 recipes divided into mouthwatering categories. You'll find everything from thumbprint cookies, sandwich cookies, holiday twists perfect for a cookie swap, chocolate decadence and everything in between. With tried-and-tested recipes and beautiful photography as your guide, explore the glorious world of holiday baking from your home kitchen.

256 pages. Hardcover.

When thirteen-year-old Matt Thorsen and Fen and Laurie Brekke, modern-day descendants of Thor and Loki, discovered they were fated to take the places of the Norse Gods in a battle against the apocalypse, they thought they knew how things would play out. Gather the other descendants, defeat a giant serpent, and save the world. No problem, right?

Wrong. The descendants' journey grinds to a halt when their friend Baldwin is poisoned and Matt, Fen, and Laurie must travel to the Underworld in hopes of saving him. From there, they'll have to reunite the challengers, find Thor's hammer, and save humanity - that is, if they can survive a journey filled with enough monstrous beasts and godly enemies to make Matt and his friends legends in their own right.
Young Adult fiction.  Ages 8-12.  368 pages.  Paperback. The Blackwell Pages. By K. L. Armstrong and Melisa Marr

A new centenary gift edition of the much-loved collection of folk and fairy tales from Sweden, illustrated by acclaimed artist John Bauer.

From good natured Scandinavian trolls through giants, tomtes, shepherd boys and princesses, the twenty-three classic stories by well-known authors such as Elsa Beskow and Anna Wahlenberg are delightfully told, full of adventure and magic with clever, resourceful children outwitting fairytale villains.

John Bauer's art – renowned for its detail, character and subtle humor – has never looked more luminous and evocative than in this gorgeously produced edition. Twenty extra pictures have been added along with a wonderful illustrated biography of Bauer, celebrating his work and life one hundred years after his premature death. The book has a foiled cover and ribbon marker, perfect for gifting.

This treasury will be cherished for generations to come.

256 pages. Hardcover.

Everyone can use a good laugh once in a while and this collections of Ole & Lena jokes are just the ticket! Quaint and well-meaning, Ole & Lena jokes celebrate the quirky folk humor of the Scandinavian immigrant community. You’ll laugh ’til your socks fall down! The book has 48 pages with black and white illustrations.

This cozy Nordic tale filled with extraordinary photographs will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. This is one to pull out every year and savor. Anja wanted to be one of Santa's elves, so she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis and heads out into the snowy landscape. A generous trim-size, matte cover, and foiled title make this a special book for the holiday season. Hardcover. 46 pages. By Lori Evert and photographs by Per Breiehagen.

From the creators of the bestselling The Christmas Wish comes a new wintry tale, in which brave Anja rescues a baby polar bear! Another winter has come for Anja! She, her cousin Erik, and her new puppy, Birki, are excited to explore the snow on their dogsled and make their way to the Christmas party. But on their journey, a great blizzard leaves the travelers stranded, and a lost baby polar bear comes to their tent looking for help. Can Anja and her friends help the little bear find his mother? Hardcover. 48 pages.  By Lori Evert and photographs by Per Breiehagen.

The Dala Horse: History Tradition Handicraft