When Emily and Jamie hear that a new road will be built through Hilltop Wood, they rush to warn their friends, the Tomtes--very special creatures who guard the oldest woods. With the children's help, they immediately set about saving their home. When the workers arrive, unexpected obstacles appear in their way--the rocks they need to move are much bigger than they remembered; their digging machines are flooded; a stream mysteriously changes direction overnight. Maybe they won't be able to build this road after all... (Ages 4-6)

Emily and Jamie live near Hilltop Wood. The two children love to splash and play in the clear water of Hilltop Stream, which runs through the wood. One day, the stream is dark and dirty, and the otter has gone. What can the children do? --

A charming story inspired by Elsa Beskow's stories of little folk.

Your indispensable field-guide! • Two types of maps–terrain/landmark & monster/NPC! • Realm maps–the world at a glance • Region maps–all monsters and levels • City and town maps–merchant & NPCs • Dungeon maps–includes Darkness Falls • RVR maps–invader danger zones • Tips from Guest-Consultant Kirstena

An adorable mini edition of Sibylle von Olfers' classic nature story with art nouveau illustrations. Perfect for fans of Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies and Elsa Beskow. Far far away, the butterfly children play, dance and sing all day long with their little brothers and sisters, the caterpillars. The children can't wait until the first day of spring, when they will finally get their wings. But first, they must learn about the many brightly colored flowers in the kingdom, so they can take part in the flying procession of peacock, swallowtail, red admiral and many other butterflies. Sibylle von Olfers' vintage stories of nature children (The Story of the Snow Children, The Story of the Root Children and The Story of the Wind Children) have been loved by generations. The whimsical tales are accompanied by beautiful art nouveau illustrations of characterful creatures, cheerful plants and flowers and magical little folk.

This classic story of the Tomten’s nocturnal visits to all of the residents of wintry farm has been reminding children of the promise of spring for decades. “The friendly troll Tomten will be a welcome visitor. . . . Highly recommended.”—School Library Journal (starred review) “Wiberg’s lovely, full-color paintings convey the hushed atmosphere of night in the Swedish countryside and also the sweet charms of the Tomten. . . . The gentle story with its eye-filling scenes is an apt choice for a bedtime read-aloud.”—Publishers Weekly “A picture book of rare distinction.”—The Chicago Tribune An ALA Notable Book A Parents’ Choice Paperback Award Winner

An ordinary Danish Christmas turns extraordinary when a family overlooks an important folkloric tradition. Christmas has come, and with it a sparkling white winterfrost over the countryside. But twelve-year-old Bettina’s parents have been called away unexpectedly, leaving her in charge of the house, the farm, and baby Pia. In all the confusion, Bettina’s family neglects to set out the traditional bowl of Christmas rice pudding for the tiny nisse who are rumored to look after the family and their livestock. No one besides her grandfather ever believed the nisse were real, so what harm could there be in forgetting this silly custom? But when baby Pia disappears during a nap, the magic of the nisse makes itself known. To find her sister and set things right, Bettina must venture into the miniature world of these usually helpful, but sometimes mischievous folk. A delightful winter adventure for lovers of the legendary and miraculous.

Grump the Yule Tomte lives all alone, which is exactly how he likes it! He's waiting for Christmas to arrive when all of a sudden a gust of wind steals his mittens from the washing line and his hat from his head. That's the last straw -- he won't be the Yule Tomte any more! Binny and Barty, the rabbit children, live with their family in the forest. They've never heard of Christmas, or the Yule Tomte, until the wind brings them some strange gifts... All the animals in the forest prepare for the arrival of Christmas. They make presents, bake sweet treats and even write a song. But will the Yule Tomte ever bring Christmas to the big forest? This charming and funny Christmas story of a grumpy tomte and the hopeful little rabbits is told over twenty-five chapters -- one for each day of Advent -- with delightful festive illustrations. Perfect for families to share together.

Now, Hargate, what a fellow you are! I've been looking for you everywhere. Don't you know it's the House against the Town boys. It's lucky that the Town have got the first innings; they began a quarter of an hour ago. "How tiresome!" Frank Hargate said. "I was watching a most interesting thing here. Don't you see this little chaffinch nest in the bush, with a newly hatched brood. There was a small black snake threatening the nest, and the mother was defending it with quivering wings and open beak. I never saw a prettier thing. I sat quite still and neither of them seemed to notice me. Of course I should have interfered if I had seen the snake getting the best of it. When you came running up like a cart horse, the snake glided away in the grass, and the bird flew off. Oh, dear! I am sorry. I had forgotten all about the match." "I never saw such a fellow as you are, Hargate. Here's the opening match of the season, and you, who are one of our best bats, poking about after birds and snakes. Come along; Thompson sent me and two or three other fellows off in all directions to find you. We shall be half out before you're back. Wilson took James's wicket the first ball." Frank Hargate leaped to his feet, and, laying aside for the present all thoughts of his favorite pursuit, started off at a run to the playing field. His arrival there was greeted with a mingled chorus of welcome and indignation. Frank Hargate was, next to Thompson the captain of the Town eleven, the best bat among the home boarders. He played a steady rather than a brilliant game, and was noted as a good sturdy sticker. Had he been there, Thompson would have put him in at first, in order to break the bowling of the House team. As it was, misfortunes had come rapidly. Ruthven and Handcock were bowling splendidly, and none of the Town boys were making any stand against them. Thompson himself had gone in when the fourth wicket fell, and was still in, although two wickets had since fallen, for only four runs, and the seventh wicket fell just as Frank arrived, panting, on the ground.

A heart-warming festive tale about a little tomte (Scandinavian gnome) created by an acclaimed Finnish author and illustrator team. Little Tomte makes a special wish that Christmas will come. He sings carols, tries to bake tasty treats, and builds a snow tomte, but nothing makes it feel like Christmas. Can Little Tomte find a way to share his Christmas spirit? This is a beautiful new edition of a charming festive tale about hope, community, and friendship.