Swedish Children’s Books

Written By Linda Liebrand

Today, I want to help you stay connected to your Swedish roots by sharing some tips for getting hold of Swedish children’s books from abroad. We all know that Swedish books can be pricey to ship, and that Swedish bookstores may not accept payment cards from abroad, but fear not, I’ve got you covered!

Below is a list of Swedish children’s books translated into English, and available on Amazon USA (some also on Amazon UK). They're perfect for when you want to share the Swedish book culture from your own childhood with your little ones.

All the links to Amazon are affiliate links which means I get a few pennies in case you choose to order a book but don’t worry, you don’t end up paying more.

Elsa Beskow

Let me tell you about “Children of the Forest - Tomtebobarnen”. The children of the forest live in the roots of an old pine tree, and they collect wild mushrooms and blueberries. They shelter under toadstools when it rains, play with squirrels and frogs, and prepare food to see them through the long winter, until the warm spring breeze starts to blow.



Astrid Lindgren

Who doesn’t love Pippi Longstocking - Pippi Långstrump (3-7-year-olds)? With her crazy red pigtails, no parents to tell her what to do, a horse that lives on her porch, and a flair for the outrageous that seems to lead to one adventure after another, Pippi will delight 3-7-year-olds.

For older children, we recommend “Ronia, the Robber's Daughter - Ronja Rövardotter”. On the night Ronia was born, a thunderstorm raged over the mountain, but in Matt's castle and among his band of robbers there was only joy - for Matt now had a spirited little black-haired daughter. Soon Ronia learns to dance and yell with the robbers, but it is alone in the forest that she feels truly at home. Then one-day Ronia meets Birk, the son of Matt's arch-enemy. Soon after Ronia and Birk become friends, the worst quarrel ever between the rival bands erupts, and Ronia and Berk are right in the middle.

For little ones, “The Children of Noisy Village - Barnen i Bullerbyn” is a gently humorous tale by Astrid Lindgren, where she takes us through a year in the lives and customs of six Swedish children living on a group of three farms in the countryside. Go crayfishing in the summer at Nocken, “dipping in the pot” at Christmastime with Lisa and Karl, and join Britta and Anna who know the best way to go about “nutting” for the New Year.





Barbro Lindgren

We also have “Sam’s Potty - Max Potta” for babies and young toddlers, available from Amazon along with the rest of the books in the adorable series. This funny picture book tells the story of a toddler named Sam, who knows what he wants and learns to be proud of his new potty.

Ulf Stark

It’s summer in the big forest and the rabbit children are looking forward to their first Midsummer party in “The Midsummer Tomte and the Little Rabbits - Sommar i stora skogen”. Owl, who knows everything, says Midsummer is a time for dancing, love, and magic. Then a terrible storm sweeps through the forest and the woodland animals must find shelter at Grump the tomte's cottage.

Will the magic of Midsummer help restore harmony to the forest in time for the party? This enchanting story by Ulf Stark, with delightful seasonal artwork by award-winning illustrator Eva Eriksson, is perfect for children aged 5-8 years old.

Karl Erik Forsslund & Harald Wiberg

This classic children’s picture book is an introduction to the fabled Swedish gnome, the Tomten. He is the one who looks after everything while the farmer and his family are sleeping. At night, when all is quiet around the farm―that’s when the Tomten wakes up. (Ages 5–8)







Sven Nordqvist

Pettson and Findus Books: For 4-7 year olds, I recommend the Pettson and Findus Books by Sven Nordqvist. These adorable stories feature a clever cat and his human friend and will give your kids a good dose of cat humour and rural Swedish charm.

Gösta Knutsson

For 6-9 year olds, there's Pelle No-tail - Pelle svanslös by Gösta Knutsson. This book introduces Sweden's favourite cat, who was born without a tail and faces some challenges from a mean tomcat. But Pelle doesn't let that stop him from having exciting adventures and making new friends in the city.

Gunilla Bergström

Very Tricky Alfie Atkins - Aja Baja Alfons Åberg: This book along with the rest of Gunilla’s books about Alfons-Alfie are available mosty as second hand books from Amazon overseas. Alfie likes it when grownups play with him, especially Daddy. And he loves his daddy's toolbox, which he rarely gets to borrow. Fortunately, today Daddy wants to read the newspaper, which means Alfie can play with the tools, except for the saw. Alfie builds and builds, but eventually he needs Daddy's help - and the saw.

Bilingual Children’s Books in Swedish and English

Linda Liebrand

Counting Sweden - Räkna med Sverige. If you're looking for a bilingual book that you and your toddler can enjoy reading together, then you'll love Counting Sweden – Räkna med Sverige by yours truly. This book is perfect for 3-7-year-olds who want to learn to count in both Swedish and English while recognising some of Sweden's most loved national symbols and traditions. It's also a great way to learn some fun facts about Sweden.

For the youngest ones, there's My First Book About Sweden – Min första bok om Sverige. This bilingual picture book in Swedish and English is perfect for introducing your baby to Swedish traditions, culture, and vocabulary, with beautiful illustrations of everything from Lingonberries to Midsummer parties.

Mark Pallis & Phillip Winterberg

Last but not least, if you want to introduce your kids to some Swedish phrases in a fun and memorable way, then check out the 'Story-powered language learning method' used in The Fabulous Lost & Found and the little Swedish mouse by Mark Pallis and Am I small? Är jag liten? By Philipp Winterberg. These books are perfect for children aged 2-7 and combine humour, story and emotion to gently introduce kids to simple and fun Swedish words and phrases.









Additional Resources

Linda Liebrand

I write bilingual children's books specially developed for kids who learn Swedish abroad, so they can improve their vocabulary and connect with their roots.

http://www.swenglish.life
Next

Live: Swedish Jam: Books, Reading and Learning