Children of the forest – Elsa Beskow

Children of the forest by Elsa Beskow is a classic children’s book that appeals to children’s imaginations, with its fantasy world based in nature and adorable yet realistic illustrations.

First published in Sweden in 1910 as Tomtebobarnen (“Tomte Children”), Children of the Forest is a wonderful celebration of the natural world and the changing seasons of the year.

This timeless woodland fairytale is based around a family of tiny woodland brownies who live in a snug little house “under the curling roots of an old pine tree.” It follows the work, play and engaging adventures of these elves throughout the four seasons, such as gathering nuts and berries, all in harmony with the rhythms of the natural world. This captivating book is filled with wonderful details from pinecone armour to creamy white sweaters of spun cotton grass.

The perfect book for encouraging Waldorf imaginative and nature-based play, this Scandinavian fairytale will inspire children’s imaginations as they grow and help them learn about the changes of the seasons and nature.

Children of the Forest by Elsa Beskow is a beautifully illustrated bestselling hardback children’s book published in English in 1987 by Floris Books. It has 32 pages and measures 23.4 x 29.9cm.

Contents:

1 hardback book in English, 32 pages.

About Elsa Beskow

Elsa Beskow is one of Sweden’s best-loved authors and illustrator. Often called the ‘Beatrix Potter’ of Scandinavia, her picture books of flowers, animals and little folk have been known and loved in Sweden and around the world for over a century.

Her illustrations take the reader back to an idyllic Sweden at the turn of the 20th century and her books are true classics which transcend nationality and time.