Astrid Lindgren's Tomten Tales: The Tomten and The Tomten and the Fox (Swedish Edition)

Let me start by saying The Tomten (and the sequel, which is included here) is one of my favorite children's books. I love the simple and atmospheric prose, and the beautiful illustrations by Harald Wiberg. This version from Floris Books takes major liberties with Astrid Lindgren's original translation and, in my opinion, ruins the charm of the story. Here are some examples of the changes from the original translation:Original: The frost is cruelThis version: The frost is sharpOriginal: Inside is CaroThis version: Inside Buster is curled upOriginal: Children's cotThis version: Children's bedOriginal: Bank the fire on the hearthThis version: Make a fire on the hearthThose are just a few examples. There are minor changes on every page - I counted at least thirty changes in The Tomten alone, and the second story has just as many (such as changing the Fox's name from "Reynard" to "Mr Fox"). Whoever edited these stories must think children are complete idiots. Why on earth did the dog's name have to be changed from the charming "Caro" to the lamest possible replacement "Buster"?!? The horse's name is changed from "Dobbin" to "Sam". Again, WHY? I'm imagining some editor in a boardroom saying "kids won't understand these old-fashioned names! Change them to something hip and cool!".The print quality of this book is nice, although it's printed on glossy paper stock. I prefer my old edition of The Tomten that is printed on matte paper. I think the illustrations render better on matte paper.The only thing this edition is good for is cutting up to put the illustrations on the wall. Do yourself a favor and look for a different edition. The Puffin Books version is good, although it's a paperback: ISBN 978-0698115910.

The product description says this is the Swedish version and lists language in Swedish, but it is in English.

Beautiful message promoting kindness and empathy. My three year old is very fascinated by the idea of a little friendly dwarf watching over humans and animals on the farm. Astrid Lindgren books are wonderful.

Great stories and outstanding illustrations.

Cute story. I love old folktales.

Very nice printing

Good book.

This book is beautifully illustrated and offers a lovely, quiet story that can feed the imagination of small children and help their listening and language capabilities without making the process over-conscious. Told calmly, this is a wonder-filled bedtime story, reassuring children that all is well and kindness and sharing prevail in the world.

Love A. Lindgren’s books. This one is no disappointment. It’s slow and very kind. Nothing really happens, It’s all about being in a moment. Read to kids 5 and 7 and they enjoy it very much.

A beautifully illustrated classic - adults will enjoy it too.

Nice simple story. Beautiful art work

Exactly as my old Tomten books. Marvellous illustrations and lovely imaginative stories. As good for the adult reading the story as for the child listening.