(3) 4-6 Translated by Patricia Crampton. Illustrated by Jan Jutte. Translated from the Dutch, this dreamlike story begins with a baby mysteriously appearing on a swan's back in the harbor and follows the child, Josie, as she is adopted by a carpenter pig into an eccentric village of animals. The book gently and often humorously explores themes of grief and loss, especially after Josie marries a soldier who goes off to war.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(2) K-3 Translated by Patricia Crampton. Illustrated by Marit Tornqvist. In Lindgren's imagistic text, orphans Matthew and Anna live with a farmer who works them mercilessly. One day a red bird directs them to an open door in the woods that leads to a sunny world where children laugh and play. This paradise transforms Matthew and Anna into happy children. Both the text, written in Swedish in 1959, and art excel at portraying mood through season.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2005

(2) 4-6 Translated by Patricia Crampton. Illustrated by Inga-Karin Eriksson. An enchanting introduction to Venice, as seen by a Swedish child whose father takes her there for Easter vacation. Besides Vendela's quest to see the original horse sculptures, which now appear in replica on San Marco's façade, there's also glass-blowing, gondola construction, good eating, and fascinating bits of history. Eriksson's cityscapes are peopled with affectionately observed characters.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1999