FAMILY WEEKEND READS

  

This weekend, with all its Halloween gore and its Allhelgona grave visits, we'll make sure to have a few real conversations about death and dying. Three Swedish books that are a great, age appropriate, introduction to the topic of death and dying:

All the dear little animals, by Ulf Nilsson and Eva Eriksson is about a small band of children who decide to become undertakers for animals. Available in English, read the excerpt here.

Farewell, Mister Muffin, also by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Anna-Clara Tidholm is by now a Swedish children's classic. The family guinea pig is ageing and one day he gets a stomach ache. Available in English, and Norwegian. Read an excerpt here.

One of Astrid Lindgrens finest pieces, The dragon with red eyes, is our family favourite for fall. In the most gentle of ways it tells the story of a small family member born different from the others, and eventually fly alone into the sunset. It is sadly out of print in English, but available in Norwegian, German. Read an excerpt (in Swedish) here.
IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGE BONNIER CARLSEN, RABÈN & SJÖGREN

OCTOBER READS FOR CHILDREN

  

The unlikely pairing of a patient but curious cow and a scurrying pessimistic crow have resulted in a dear series of books. Here they build a tree house, and ponder whether its the journey or the destination that is worth while. Available in Swedish, Norwegian, Polish, Arabic.

It can be quite daunting to perform on a stage, and how do you conquer your nerves and deliver a line in the school play? A younger brother comes to the rescue in The world's best singer, available in Swedish, English, French, and German. Read an excerpt here.

A lively cat tries to cheer a grumpy old man. A not entirely trivial task. Available in Swedish, Norwegian, French, German. Read an excerpt here.
IMAGES: ADLIBRIS, SMAKPROV.SE

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS, AND KIDS WHO DEFEAT THEM

Is there anything more intriguing and wonderful than the world of princesses for little girls? Or as fascinating as dragon slaying for little boys? Even the most politically-correct-gender-aware parents have to surrender to the knights and princesses phase at one point or another. Which is why I want to recommend this awesome reinterpretation of the dated medival theme by Christina Björk and Eva Eriksson. Seven fun stories about knights or princesses that don't bear any resemblance to the traditional narrative of young maidens rescued by princes who live happily ever after. The characters are children, not sexualized tweenies, have spunk and attitude, aren't well behaved at all times, and handle dragon encounters themselves. Read an excerpt about the princesses, or an excerpt from the book about knights (in Swedish). 

The seven princesses are also available as activity book, paperdolls, and a Lotto game. The books come in Swedish, Norwegian, Danish and German. 

IMAGES: PRESS IMAGES RABÈN & SJÖGREN FÖRLAG

COOKING UP A STORM

Yes, we've been through this before. It's a want, not a need per se. But dear husband, I would argue that I've improved in the kitchen the past 7 years (remember the exploded egg whilst engaged?) and great cookbooks have helped along the way. Perhaps we can consider these course literature?

Per Morberg, I'll admit it, his mannerisms disgusted me at first but now I'm a big fan. The Eisenman sisters have written a party food bible and it's been on my wishlist since it was released. Annas Mat is my all time number one cookbook, but the re-revisions and new editions annoy me. Some recipes are found in quite a few of her cookbooks. It makes me feel as though I'm paying for some chapters more than once. If this is the final version (with new recipes) I want it. Otherwise I'll stick with the ones I already own.

Preview of the books available at Adlibris, see links.
IMAGE: ADLIBRIS WEBSHOP

3xASTRID

 

If you 're not familiar with Sweden's most proliferous children's author Astrid Lindgren, you may know her world famous Pippi Longstocking. These are 3 personal favourites from the lithany of her production that suit early advent: Jul i stallet, Titta, Madicken, det snöar!, Kajsa Kavat hjälper mormor.
IMAGES: PRESS IMAGES, RABÉN & SJÖGREN; USED WITH PERMISSION

LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN

Nobody knows why Swedish tradition demands seven different kinds of home made cookies if it's to be considered a proper cookie platter (usually accompanying coffee). It's a custom that suddenly gained popularity in the late 1800's, and its origin remains a mystery to this day.

What we do know is that food and retail company ICA dates back to 1917. In 1945 one of its subdivisions held a competition for cookie recipies yielding more than 8000 entries. The best recipes were compiled into a collection that quickly became a household staple in Sweden. By 2005 the 84 continually revised editions had sold 3,4 million copies over the years. An edition in English was released in 2008 and is the ultimate christmas gift for any baker with a Scandinavian heritage or interest. 

Available anywhere in Sweden, for example here (Swedish), here (English) and here (Swedish). Preview available at Amazon.com.
IMAGE: TANT GUL, USED WITH PERMISSION

BRING A BOOK

Beautiful cookbooks that introduce Swedish cooking to English speaking amateur cooks can be hard to find. Preferably also without fanaticism requiring authentic methods and ingredients, but instead gently combining tradition and modern fare into recipes suitable for Swedish beginners in the kitchen, as well as the many Americans curious about their Scandinavian roots. Three that stand the test and make excellent gifts: Simply Swedish released 2007, and Notes from a Swedish kitchen released in March 2012, both by Margareta Schild Landgren, and our favourite Very Swedish by Annica Triberg.

BOOK IT

Sven Nordqvist is author and illustrator of many modern classics for children. From his series about Pettsson and Findus, our son's favourite is The Fox Hunt. The colourful illustrations feature plenty of simple country life and red cottages. Yet, instead of romanticized nostalgia, they offer curious visual quirks and riddles with a timeless appeal. A favourite among both girls and boys (even adults). Adlibris offers great prices on Pettsson items in Swedish, English and Spanish.
IMAGE: OPAL.SE

SING IT AGAIN SAM

Since 2007 Swedish author and illustrator Catharina Kruusval has illustrated popular songs for toddlers. The first books were an instant success that grew into a series of 10 little books. This fall she added two sweet christmas songs to the collection. A given favourite at a great price.

IMAGES: ADLIBRIS.COM

FOR MY BOOKIES

Floris Books in Great Britain has a great selection of the classic Swedish authors translated into english. Since their page isn't very user friendly I've made a selection of links below. The english editions are also available in Sweden through Adlibris.com, in Norway in through Norli.no, and in the US through Amazon.com.

A Home, A Farm, A Family, by Carl Larsson 

The Holy Night and The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf

The tomte's christmas porridge, by Sven Nordqvist. 

 A Calf for Christmas, and In the Land of Twilight, by Astrid Lindgren

Goldie at the Orphanage, Goldie at the Farm, by Martha Sandwall Bergström (Kulla Gulla) 

Books by Elsa Beskow are available both in regular size and mini editions. 
IMAGES: ADLIBRIS.COM/SE