If Grumpy the dwarf were a Swedish elf he'd star in this charming illustrated holiday story. 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. PreS-Gr 2—In Sweden, a "tomte" brings gifts to children at Christmas. Grump the tomte—small, thin and white-bearded—lives in empty Tomte Cottage with only a sleepy bee for company. When the wind blows his signature red cap away, along with an old sign that reads "Tomte Co," they are found by two young rabbits, who assume, along with everyone else in the crowded rabbit burrow, that the sign means a tomte is coming. A menu is planned, songs are composed—but as December rolls on and there is no sign of the tomte, tempers begin to fray. Finally, the two young rabbits take matters into their own paws and go out to find the tomte—with happy results for the animals and for the lonely tomte. The story is told in 25 chapters—one for each day of Advent—and with large and expressive illustrations of the bushy-eyebrowed tomte or goofy rabbits on almost every page, the book makes a wonderful classroom or family read-aloud.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library '[T]his one is a joy to read and to share with children... Stark bestows each of the main characters with vivid personalities, and Eriksson’s depiction of Grump is particularly irresistible. And the ending is a delightful surprise, involving a twinkling ice house and a delicious moment of silence with everyone involved. It’s filled with wonder and friendship.' – Kirkus Reviews 'This book is unique in that it is a charming story and it is told in 25 short chapters, so you can read one a day for the entire month leading up to the big holiday!' – KidlitTV 'This would make a wonderful read aloud story for older children.' –Youth Services Book Review 'A delightful departure from the Christmas story norm... a rollicking holiday adventure... Eva Eriksson's delicate renderings of Grump and the bunnies are a delight... this festive tale is certain to become a Christmas classic.' – BookPage 'It's an old-fashioned type of illustrated story (with a picture-book trim size) that doesn't feel the least bit dated or sentimental.' – The Horn Book Magazine 'A wonderful yuletide excursion into the magical winter world of the Swedish traditional Yule Tomte.' – Children's Bookwatch 'It's the perfect storybook for families to share together, and children will enjoy the amusing illustrations, particularly of the animals with whom they will identify.' – Kindling 'The perfect book to share in the lead up to Christmas – children will be eagerly awaiting each new chapter!' – Creative Steps 'This warm and charming chapter book captures the spirit of the Holidays of Light and provides an opportunity to learn about Swedish traditions. It is an intriguing chapter book to check out for the winter holidays' – Bridges 'This wonderful picture book is arranged in the form of twenty-five short chapters, one chapter for each day of advent. With lovely artwork and a heartwarming story, this beautifully presented picture book would make a wonderful gift for the holiday season.' – Through the Looking Glass Ulf Stark (1944 - 2017) was one of Sweden's best-known authors. He won many awards for his work, including the August Prize and the Nordic Children's Book Prize. Eva Eriksson was born in Halmstad in 1949 and is a graduate of Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design. She is one of Europe's best-loved children's illustrators, and has worked with Ulf Nilsson, Margaret Stromstedt, Rose Lagercrantz, and Eva Bexell, among others. She is especially well-known in Sweden for illustrating Barbo Lindgren's successful Max series. Eva Eriksson's work has been recognised with many awards, and in 2001 she was the recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Prize.