(2) 4-6 Translated by Julia Marshall. Illustrated by Kitty Crowther. This Swedish import is an unvarnished portrait of old age. In the hospital with a broken leg and a failing heart, Grandpa is furious and foul-mouthed. His only ally is his affectionate and admiring grandson, who helps carry out an elaborate secret breakout. Every emotional effect is fully earned, and the final beat is deeply affecting. Full-page colored-pencil illustrations match the text in being simultaneously homely and honest.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019

(3) 1-3 Translated by Susan Beard. Illustrated by Eva Eriksson. Tomte Grump (The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits) is sad when his new bee friend leaves, but then a storm drives the forest animals into his home and he's no longer alone. The wedding of rabbits Binny and Rory and Grump's magical dance with a fairy complete their Midsummer festival. Soft, detailed colored-pencil illustrations accompany this lovely book perfect for reading aloud.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Eva Eriksson. A father announces to his young son that he's old enough to be shown the universe. A sometimes poignant, sometimes humorous journey ensues, with the boy seeing the universe in a snail and a thistle while Dad insists the universe is the stars in the night sky. Homey illustrations of their small Swedish town contrast with more sweeping spreads of the starry night.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(2) 1-3 Translated by Susan Beard. Illustrated by Eva Eriksson. "In Swedish tradition it is a tomte...who brings Christmas presents to children," according to the brief note that begins this entertaining Advent book. Our tomte is named Grump, and the tidy, precise illustrations show a little gnomelike man with a white beard, a red hat, and a perma-scowl. It's an old-fashioned story, but one that doesn't feel dated or sentimental.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2014