The Tomtes' Christmas Porridge

Gr 1—3—Tomtes, the Swedish version of elves or brownies, work hard all year to make sure that things go smoothly at a farm, and all Papa tomte wants is to be thanked on Christmas Eve with an offering of porridge. Knowing that the human family will forget and fearing the farm will suffer from her husband's slighted feelings, Mama tomte and her children take matters into their own hands. The detailed cartoon art has a warm and cozy look with walls tinged with yellow from the candlelight. Illustrations can take up whole pages and the tomtes themselves look traditionally elfish in their caps and clogs. The fact that all the tomtes, even the four-year-old, drink a special beer may be puzzling to American readers. That aside, this offering will appeal to readers wanting the trappings of a classic Christmas folktale.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library