Do you wonder which classic Nordic children’s books you should read for your kids? Check out our list of the crème de la crème of fairy tales from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland recommended by a Norwegian family. Be warned though, some of the Nordic fairy tales are known for being pretty brutal and raw!
The best children’s books from Norway
Norway is a country with a rich and diverse literary tradition, especially when it comes to children’s books. From fairy tales and folktales to modern classics and contemporary stories, Norwegian authors have created some of the most memorable and beloved characters in children’s literature. In this blog post, I will introduce you to some of the best children’s books from Norway, and share with you why they are worth reading and exploring.
Asbjørnsen & Moe: The Ash Lad and The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Norway is a land of myths and legends, where trolls, fairies and giants roam the mountains and forests. But it is also a land of rich and diverse folktales, collected and preserved by two remarkable men: Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe.
Asbjørnsen & Moe are often compared to the Brothers Grimm, as they also tried to preserve the original form and language of the tales while making them accessible to a wider audience. Their collection, known as Norske folkeeventyr (Norwegian Folktales), was first published in 1841 and has since become a landmark of Norwegian literature and culture.
Some of the most popular tales from Asbjørnsen & Moe are:
The Three Billy Goats Gruff: This is the story of three goats who want to cross a bridge to reach a meadow full of grass, but have to face a fearsome troll who lives under the bridge. The goats use their cunning and strength to outsmart and defeat the troll, who wants to eat them. This tale is famous for its catchy refrain: “Trip, trap, trip, trap! Who’s that tripping over my bridge?”
East of the Sun and West of the Moon: This is a romantic and magical tale of a poor girl who marries a white bear, who is actually a prince under a curse. She follows him to his castle, where he only visits her at night in the dark. She disobeys his only rule of not lighting a candle and sees his true form. He then has to leave her and go to the troll queen, who lives in a castle east of the sun and west of the moon. The girl embarks on a perilous journey to find him and break the curse, with the help of some friendly animals and a wise old woman. [3]
The Ash Lad Who Had an Eating Match with the Troll: This is a humorous tale of a clever and brave boy who challenges a greedy troll to an eating contest. The boy tricks the troll into thinking that he has a huge appetite, by hiding a sack under his shirt and filling it with food. The troll tries to keep up with him but ends up bursting his own stomach. The boy then takes all the troll’s gold and silver and returns home victorious. This tale is one of many featuring the Ash Lad, a common hero in Norwegian folktales, who often wins against all odds.
These stories reflect the values, beliefs and traditions of the Norwegian people, as well as their love for nature and adventure. They are also a source of inspiration for many artists, writers and filmmakers, such as Henrik Ibsen, Edvard Grieg and Walt Disney.
As a Norwegian family, these fairy tales are among our absolute favourites, and we hope you will enjoy them as much as we do. If you want to read more, you can find a few suggested titles further down.
Asbjørnsen collected fairy tales and legends from the mid-1830s and began the collaboration with Jørgen Moe in 1837. The result of their collection was presented in Norwegian Folktales, compiled by P. Chr. Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe, published in pamphlets from December 1841. It was an event in Norwegian cultural life and gained international recognition. The principle was “Tell as the People”.
One of the big heroes in their stories is called Askeladden or “Ash Lad” in English. He is the youngest of the three brothers and the underdog when it comes to winning over the big trolls. The older brothers are always underestimating and laughing at Askeladden, but he miraculously ends up victorious using wisdom and deceit. If your kids are not afraid of brutal endings, we would definitely recommend Norwegian fairytales.
Are the old Norwegian fairytales still relevant in a modern context?
The old Norwegian folktales are a rich source of wisdom, imagination and cultural heritage. They have been passed down from generation to generation, and they reflect the values, beliefs and challenges of the people who told them. They are not just stories for entertainment, but also stories for education and inspiration.
One of the main themes that runs through the old Norwegian folktales is the idea of overcoming adversity. The fairy tales can equip children to cope with hardship, danger and evil. They show children how they can grow from difficult experiences and come out of it stronger. They create a safe framework that gives the child a space where they can face evil in a manageable context.
All children will come across difficult situations in their lives – they will have to enter battles whether they want to or not. This is a part of growing up, and it’s part of being human. What the fairy tales can contribute is to show how this can lead to personal development and life lessons.
For example, in the tale of Askeladden (the Ash Lad), the youngest and most underestimated son of a poor farmer, we see how he uses his cleverness, courage and kindness to outsmart his brothers, win the princess and become king. He does not give up, even when everyone else does. He does not let his humble origins or his lack of resources stop him from pursuing his dreams. He does not let the giants, trolls or dragons scare him away from his goals. He proves that with a good heart and a sharp mind, anything is possible.
In the tale of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, we see how the three brothers work together to cross the bridge and reach the green pasture, where they can graze and grow fat. They use their different sizes and strengths to trick and defeat the greedy troll who lives under the bridge and wants to eat them. They show that cooperation, strategy and bravery can overcome any obstacle.
In the tale of The Princess on the Glass Hill, we see how a poor boy named Boots manages to climb the slippery glass hill with his magical horses and win the hand of the princess. He does not let his low status or his lack of money prevent him from trying his luck. He does not let the mockery or envy of the other suitors discourage him from showing his skills. He shows that with perseverance, luck and magic, miracles can happen.
These are just some examples of how the old Norwegian folktales can teach children valuable lessons about life. They can also stimulate their imagination, creativity and curiosity. They can help them understand their own culture and history, as well as appreciate other cultures and traditions. They can foster a sense of wonder, joy and hope in their hearts.
The old Norwegian folktales are still relevant today because they speak to our universal human needs and desires. They are timeless stories that can inspire us all.
Norwegian Folktales of Asbjørnsen and Moe
The extraordinary folktales collected by Peter Christen Asbjornsen and Jorgen Moe began appearing in Norway in 1841. Over the next two decades the publication of subsequent editions under the title Norske folkeeventyr made the names Asbjornsen and Moe synonymous with Norwegian storytelling traditions.
Nordic Tales
If you love Nordic folklore, you will enjoy this book of 16 classic stories. They were collected and written down by scholars in the 1800s, and they are presented here in their original form. You will find tales of magic, humor, comfort, and horror, as well as insights into Nordic culture and history. The book is beautifully illustrated by Ulla Thynell, who captures the essence of each story with her vibrant and expressive artwork. This is a perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter night. It comes in a hardcover edition with a textured cover and a ribbon bookmark.
Book of Norwegian Folktales
Originally published in 1938, this book has been reissued to delight a new generation of readers with its charming and whimsical tales of cinderlads, princesses, and trolls. You will discover the rich and colorful culture of Norway as you read about the adventures and misadventures of its folk heroes and heroines. Whether you are looking for a cozy bedtime story or a captivating read for a rainy day, you will find it in d’Aulaire’s Book of Norwegian Folktales.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Do you know the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff? It’s a classic fairy tale about three goats who want to cross a bridge, but have to face a scary troll who lives under it. The troll asks each goat, “Who’s that trip-trapping over my bridge?” and tries to eat them. But the goats are clever and manage to trick the troll and get to the other side. This book is a great way to introduce fairy tales to young children. It has colourful illustrations and fun rhymes that make the story come alive. You can read it aloud with your kids and enjoy the adventure together. This book is suitable for children aged 2-4 years old.
The best children’s books from Sweden
Sweden is a country with a rich literary tradition, especially when it comes to children’s books. From the beloved stories of Astrid Lindgren and Selma Lagerlöf, to the modern classics of Henning Mankell and Stieg Larsson, Swedish authors have captivated generations of young readers with their imagination, humour, and wisdom. In this blog post, I will introduce you to some of the best children’s books from Sweden, and explain why they are worth reading for both kids and adults.
Astrid Lindgren: Pippi Longstocking
Astrid Lindgren was born in 1907 and grew up on a farm in Småland, a region in southern Sweden. She started writing stories for her daughter Karin, who asked her to tell her about Pippi Longstocking, a girl who lived by herself with a monkey and a horse. Pippi Longstocking became one of Lindgren’s most famous characters, along with Emil of Lönneberga, a mischievous boy who always got into trouble, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, a flying man who loved to eat sweets, and the Six Bullerby Children, who had fun adventures in their village.
Lindgren wrote more than 30 books for children, which have been translated into 44 languages and sold over 167 million copies worldwide. She also received many awards for her work, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award and the Right Livelihood Award. Lindgren’s stories are full of humour, imagination, and respect for children’s rights and individuality. She also cared deeply about animal welfare and the environment. In this blog post, I will explore some of the themes and messages that Lindgren conveyed through her books, and how they can inspire us today.
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren is probably the most famous Nordic children’s book character and one of our absolute favourites as well. Lindgren’s books can be pretty severe and dark, but also very cheerful with strong and independent main characters.
First and foremost, Astrid Lindgren took children seriously. She also saw children differently than many of her contemporary children’s book writers and had an intuitive understanding of children’s minds. In many of her books, the main character is a child having a hard time, creating a better life in a fantasy world. Other books are about rebellious and “impossible” children that adults do not understand treating them authoritatively.
The books create empathy and commitment and provide a basis for conversations between children and parents about the significant issues in life. But the books can also be read as classic fairy tales or stories full of humour and inventions. Astrid Lindgren’s books have many layers and will always find a reader. They are for everyone and are timeless.
Seacrow Island
When the Melkersons first set foot on Seacrow Island, they feel like they’ve landed on another planet. There’s nothing there that reminds them of their busy city life. And the cottage they’ve rented for the summer is quite … rustic. But Seacrow Island has its own charms. It has forests to explore, fish to catch, boats to sail, and all kinds of animals. Soon the Melkersons discover that it also has something more valuable-adventure, fun, discovery, and friends. Maybe leaving will be harder than they thought?
The children of noisy village
If you love stories about friendship and adventure, you will enjoy reading about Lisa and her friends from Noisy Village in this book by Astrid Lindgren. They live in a small place where everyone knows each other and there is always something fun to do. In this book, you will find out how they adopt a stray dog, look for a hidden treasure map, and survive a snowstorm! It’s a book full of excitement and laughter that you won’t want to miss.
Do You Know Pippi Longstocking?
When Pippi Longstocking moves in next door to Tommy and Annika they are completely amazed by their new playmate. Pippi is cheeky, courageous and completely unpredictable. She lives alone with a monkey, a horse, and no rules whatsoever! Everything is fun with Pippi around! In this story she performs at the circus, uses her super strength to stop two robbers, and throws an unusual birthday party.
Pippi Longstocking illustrated by Lauren Child
This beautiful edition of the children’s classic Pippi Longstocking is illustrated throughout with wonderful collage pictures from the award-winning Lauren Child. The contemporary design, imaginative layout of the text, and stunning illustrations from Lauren Child all add up to a perfect gift purchase.
Ronja the Robber’s Daughter illustrated
Ronja, the daughter of the robber chieftain, roams the forest but she must beware the grey dwarves and wild harpies. When she befriends Birk, the son of her father’s greatest enemy, it causes uproar. Ronia and Birk can no longer be friends . . . unless they do something drastic. Like running away . . .
The best children’s books from Denmark
From fairy tales to fantasy, adventure to humour, Danish authors have created some of the most beloved and influential stories for young readers. In this blog post, I will introduce you to some of the best children’s books from Denmark, and why they are worth reading. Whether you are looking for classics or contemporary works, you will find something to inspire and delight you in this list.
H.C. Andersen: The Little Mermaid
Today, H. C. Andersen is one of the world’s most famous fairy tale writers. In total, he has written 156 fairy tales and more realistic “stories”. The first one came out in a modest booklet in 1835 and was initially not very well received, but he gained popularity over time.
Some of HC Andersen’s most famous fairy tales are:
- The Emperor’s New Clothes: A witty tale about an arrogant emperor who is tricked by two weavers into wearing invisible clothes that only the wise can see. He ends up parading naked in front of his subjects, until a child points out the truth.
- The Little Mermaid: A romantic and tragic tale about a mermaid who falls in love with a human prince and gives up her voice to become human. She has to win his love or die, but he marries someone else. She is offered a chance to kill him and return to the sea, but she chooses to sacrifice herself instead.
- The Ugly Duckling: A touching tale about a duckling who is rejected by his family and other animals because of his appearance. He suffers loneliness and abuse, until he grows up and discovers that he is actually a beautiful swan.
- The Snow Queen: A complex and magical tale about a boy named Kay who is kidnapped by the Snow Queen after a splinter of a cursed mirror enters his eye and heart. His friend Gerda goes on a long and perilous journey to rescue him, facing many obstacles and temptations along the way.
These are just some examples of Andersen’s rich and diverse fairy-tale world, which explores themes such as love, friendship, courage, identity, morality and justice. His stories often feature characters who face hardships and challenges, but also find hope and happiness. His stories are not only for children but also for adults who can appreciate their depth and meaning.
If you want to learn more about Andersen and his fairy tales, you can visit the H.C. Andersen House in Odense, Denmark, where he was born. It is a new museum that opened in 2021, designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. It offers a sensory and immersive experience of Andersen’s life and stories, with landscape, architecture and exhibition design integrated together.
The Little Mermaid
If you love fairy tales and dark art, you will be amazed by the new edition of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by the talented French artist Benjamin Lacombe. His artwork is stunning, original, and haunting, bringing a new depth and emotion to the classic story of the mermaid who sacrifices everything for love. The book is perfect for fans of Benjamin Lacombe and his pop surrealist style, as well as for younger readers who are curious about the original version of the story that inspired Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales
All the best-loved fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, including “The Ugly Duckling,” “Thumbelina,” “The Red Shoes,” “The Princess on the Pea,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” fill the pages of this beautiful leather-bound collector’s edition. Also included is “The Tallow Candle” — one of the earliest stories written by Andersen.
This is a story about a vain emperor who cared only about his clothes. He wasted all his wealth on buying new garments and had a different one for every hour and every event. One day, two swindlers came to the city claiming to be weavers who could make the most exquisite and elegant fabrics, which had the amazing quality of only being visible to those who were competent in their work. The emperor was thrilled by this offer and immediately hired them.
The Snow Queen
This is not a single story, but a collection of seven stories that tell the tale of how a wicked demon created a magic mirror that distorted everything good and beautiful into something ugly and evil. The mirror was shattered into pieces that fell all over the world, and some of them got into the eyes and hearts of people, making them cold and cruel. One of these people was a young boy named Kai, who was kidnapped by the Snow Queen, a powerful and mysterious ruler of the frozen lands. His best friend, a girl named Gerda, went on a long and perilous journey to rescue him, meeting many strange and wonderful characters along the way.
The best children’s books from Finland
Finland is a country of many talents, especially when it comes to children’s literature. Some of the most beloved and acclaimed authors and illustrators of books for young readers have come from this Nordic nation, such as Tove Jansson, Mauri Kunnas, Tuula Kallioniemi and Timo Parvela. In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the best and brightest children’s authors from Finland, and explore their works, themes and styles. Whether you are looking for fantasy, adventure, humour or realism, you will find something to suit your taste in the rich and diverse world of Finnish children’s books.
Tove Jansson: Moomin
Tove Jansson was a Finnish writer and illustrator who created the Moomins, a family of white, round fairy-tale characters with large snouts that resemble hippopotamuses. The Moomins live in Moominvalley and have adventures with their various friends, such as Snufkin, Little My, and the Snork Maiden. The Moomin stories are beloved by readers of all ages and have been translated into 45 languages, making them one of the most widely read works of Finnish literature.
But Jansson was not only a master of children’s fantasy. She also wrote novels and short stories for adults that display her warmth, charm, wisdom, and originality. Many of her stories for adults are inspired by her own remarkable life, which included studying art in Helsinki, Stockholm, and Paris, travelling around Europe, publishing satirical cartoons during World War II, and having a long-term relationship with another woman, the artist Tuulikki Pietilä.
The Moomins are a family of friendly-looking trolls, white and round with broad snouts. The Moomins can be self-centred, ruthless, and narrow-minded at times, but more often than not, they are hospitable, nurturing, and liberal — like real people.
The Moomin world is filled with eccentrics, loners, beasts, monsters, fretters, hagglers, and poets. The Moomin family clashes or organizes with these folks against common enemies or natural disasters or themselves. Her stories are first and foremost timeless, about what it is like to be human, about relationships and bright summer nights. After Pippi, the Moomins are probably among the most famous Nordic children’s book characters.
If you love the Moomins and their whimsical adventures, you will enjoy this book that showcases some of the most beautiful artwork from the Moomin archive. You will find book covers, illustrations and a detailed map of Moominvalley that bring the Moomin world to life. This book is not only a great way to explore the Moomin history and characters, but also a treasure trove of art that you can display in your home. Each picture is printed on high-quality A4 card that can be easily removed and framed. Whether you want to decorate your walls with Moomin art or learn more about the Moomin universe, this book is a perfect choice for any Moomin fan.
Finn Family Moomintroll
In case you didn’t know, the Moomins are kind, loyal and welcoming creatures with smooth round snouts, who live in a tall blue house shaped like an old stove in a valley in the forests of Finland. They love sunshine and sleep right through the winter, when the snow turns their house into a great snowball. In spring they wake up, clamber down the rope ladders hanging from their windows ready for fresh new adventures.
Moomin: The Complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip
The enchanting comic strip that introduced adult readers to the wonderful world of Moomin Tove Jansson is revered around the world as one of the foremost children’s authors of the twentieth century for her illustrated chapter books regarding the magical worlds of her creation, the Moomins. The Moomins saw life in many forms but debuted to its biggest audience ever on the pages of the world’s largest newspaper, the London Evening News, in 1954.
If you are looking for a charming and whimsical series of books to read with your children, you might want to check out the Moomin Collection 8 Books Set. This set includes eight classic stories by Tove Jansson, featuring the lovable Moomin family and their adventures in the magical Moominvalley. The books are full of humour, imagination, and wonder, and they explore themes such as friendship, family, nature, and courage. The Moomin Collection 8 Books Set is a perfect gift for any fan of the Moomins, or anyone who enjoys a good story with a touch of fantasy.
The best children’s books from Iceland
Iceland is a place of wonder and mystery, where nature and culture are intertwined in amazing ways. One of the most distinctive features of Iceland is its rich heritage of children’s stories, especially the famous Icelandic sagas about the Norse gods. The Norse gods are not exclusive to Iceland, but the main source of Norse mythology is the Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturrlason who wrote Edda.
Snorri Sturrlason: Mythical Superheros
The Icelandic sagas are a collection of historical and mythical narratives that date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. They tell the stories of the Viking settlers who came to Iceland from Norway and their descendants who lived on the island for generations. The sagas depict their adventures, conflicts, romances, and feuds, as well as their interactions with the supernatural beings of Norse mythology, such as Odin, Thor, Loki, Freya, and many others.
Some of these supernatural beings are also known as superheroes in modern times, thanks to their appearance in popular movies and comics. For example, Thor is the god of thunder and lightning, who wields a powerful hammer called Mjolnir. He is brave, strong, and loyal to his friends and family. He often fights against his mischievous brother Loki, the god of trickery and lies, who schemes to overthrow Odin and take over Asgard. Loki can shape-shift into different forms and use magic to deceive his enemies. He is clever, cunning, and charismatic, but also selfish, arrogant, and untrustworthy.
Another superhero from the sagas is Freya, the goddess of love and beauty. She is also a skilled warrior and a leader of the Valkyries, who choose the fallen heroes to go to Valhalla. She has a necklace called Brisingamen, which enhances her charm and power. She is compassionate, generous, and adventurous, but also fierce, independent, and proud.
These are just some examples of the amazing characters that children can meet in the Icelandic sagas. They are not only fun to read about but also inspire children to be brave, loyal, just, and compassionate.
One of the best ways to introduce children to the Icelandic sagas is to read them simplified versions that are adapted for younger audiences. There are many books available that retell the stories of the sagas in an engaging and accessible way, with colourful illustrations and lively language.
This classic book, written and illustrated by the award-winning duo of Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire, brings to life the stories of the ancient Norse gods and goddesses, such as Odin, Thor, Loki, and many more. You and your children will enjoy reading about the adventures and misadventures of these legendary characters, from the creation of the world to the final battle of Ragnarok. The book is full of colourful and detailed illustrations that capture the imagination and the spirit of the Norse culture.
Imagine a world where powerful gods and goddesses lived among amazing creatures like giants, dwarfs, elves, and monsters. That’s the world of Norse Mythology, the ancient stories of the people of Scandinavia. In this blog post, you’ll learn about some of the most famous and fascinating characters from these myths, such as Thor, the god of thunder who wielded a mighty hammer; Frigg, the queen of Asgard and the goddess of wisdom; and Jormungand, the enormous serpent that encircled the world. Norse Mythology for Kids is a book that will take you on an exciting journey through this magical realm and show you how these legends have influenced our culture and imagination.
A thrilling collection of Viking myths brought to life with evocative illustrations. Meet dragon-slaying heroes and giant-smashing gods, as well as Thor, the thunder god, Loki the shape-shifting trickster and sea serpents, fire demons and frost giants in these awe-inspiring myths. Includes a guide to Norse names and characters, and internet links to websites to find out more about the Vikings.
If you love Norse mythology and Marvel comics, you’ll enjoy this hilarious and action-packed adventure featuring Thor and Loki, the most famous siblings in the Nine Realms. In Thor Loki: Double Trouble, you’ll see how these two gods of Asgard can’t stand each other, but also can’t live without each other. Whether it’s stealing from Odin’s vault, fighting a giant snake, or meeting a female Thor, they always end up in trouble… and double the fun!
Also, don’t forget to check out our recommended 35 Scandinavian Places in London!