In Scandinavian folklore, gnomes—known as tomten in Sweden, nisse in Norway and Denmark, or tonttu in Finland—are much more than festive holiday decorations. These small, quiet guardians with tall pointed hats and long white beards have watched over Nordic farms, homes, and animals for generations.
If you want to bring the cozy magic of Swedish storytime into your home, here are six charming gnome books available at Swedish Gift Store!
1. The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren 🌟
Based on Viktor Rydberg’s classic 1881 Swedish poem, this heartwarming bedtime tale follows the mysterious Tomten on a quiet, snow-covered winter night. While the humans sleep peacefully in the farmhouse, the Tomten steps silently across the courtyard, visiting the cows, horses, sheep, and barn cats. In a gentle, silent language only animals understand, he whispers comforting words, reminding them that winter will pass and warm spring days will return.
Why Kids & Parents Love It:
With soothing prose by beloved Swedish author Astrid Lindgren and atmospheric illustrations by Harald Wiberg, The Tomten is a peaceful, timeless picture book that captures the silent magic of a winter night.
2. The Tomten and the Fox by Astrid Lindgren 🦊
In this delightful companion story to The Tomten, a hungry fox named Reynard sneaks out of the forest toward the farm on a freezing winter evening. The farm hens look like a tempting feast, but watchful Tomten is on duty! Instead of chasing the fox away with anger, the gentle gnome offers a clever and compassionate solution: sharing his own sweet bowl of Christmas porridge (julgröt) with the fox so everyone stays fed and safe.
Why Kids & Parents Love It:
It teaches young readers values of kindness, empathy, and sharing, showing how generosity can turn potential conflict into a moment of warmth.
3. Gnomes' Winter Journey by Ernst Kreidolf ❄️🍄
Step into a whimsical world where nature and magic intertwine! Gnomes' Winter Journey follows a group of adventurous gnomes as they embark on a journey across snowy forests, frosted meadows, and hidden woodlands. Along the way, they encounter forest creatures, overcome frosty challenges, and celebrate the hidden wonders of the winter season.
Why Kids & Parents Love It:
Featuring classic, vintage-style artwork from celebrated illustrator Ernst Kreidolf, this story brings an enchanting, classic European fairy-tale feel that sparks a child's imagination.
4. Gnome Sweet Home by Brick Puffinton, illustrated by Jenny Miriam 🍄🏡
Come along with a sweet little gnome as he gives a grand tour of his cozy mushroom house! From his charming kitchen—where he bakes up delicious "gnomemade" treats for his woodland friends—to his surprisingly impressive hat closet, this silly, rhyming story takes little ones inside a gnome's everyday world.
Why Kids & Parents Love It:
Designed specifically for babies and toddlers, this interactive board book features a soft, built-in plush finger puppet right in the center. As grown-ups read aloud, they can wiggle the little gnome puppet to bring the story to life, making it a fantastic hands-on tool for sensory play, fine motor skills, and cozy lap-time reading.
5. Gnomes by Wil Huygen, illustrated by Rien Poortvliet 🍄📖
First published in 1977 and now a beloved classic reissue, Gnomes takes readers on a fascinating, tongue-in-cheek "scientific" survey of gnome life, history, and secret lore. Written like a nature documentary field guide by physician Wil Huygen and packed with hundreds of breathtaking full-color illustrations by Dutch artist Rien Poortvliet, this legendary book uncovers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about gnomes—from their cozy underground homes and animal companions to their anatomy, medicine, and everyday habits. Did you know a gnome is seven times stronger than a human? Or that gnome couples almost always have twins?
Why Kids & Parents Love It:
With an introduction by acclaimed fantasy illustrator Brian Froud, Gnomes is an absolute treasure for all ages. Children will be spellbound by the intricate drawings of secret gnome houses and forest animals, while adults will adore the witty, sophisticated pseudo-scientific detail. It’s the ultimate coffee table book and bedtime discovery guide for gnome lovers young and old!
6. There's No Place Like Gnome's by Scott Magoon 🏨🍄
Meet Gnome—he isn't your average garden-variety gnome! He runs a tiny, welcoming hotel for woodland creatures, spending his days fluffing pillows, organizing files, and feeding the fountain fish to keep his guests happy. But when human development destroys the surrounding forest, displaced animals of all shapes and sizes flock to Gnome's hotel seeking shelter. Though his inn becomes cramped, Gnome opens his doors to everyone in need. When disaster strikes and damages the hotel, Gnome worries all hope is lost—until his guest community steps up to help him rebuild.
Why Kids & Parents Love It:
Created by New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Scott Magoon, this clever and charming picture book delivers a heartwarming message about hospitality, environmental kindness, and community resilience. Children will adore the witty gnome puns and detailed illustrations of forest animals enjoying hotel life, while parents will love the gentle reminder that home is wherever we take care of one another.
Bring Scandinavian Storytime Home 🛍️
Whether you're starting a new bedtime tradition or looking for the perfect cozy gift for young readers, these classic tomte stories are sure to be cherished for years to come.
Discover these picture books and explore our full collection of Swedish gifts, gnomes, and holiday decor at Swedish Gift Store in Lindström, MN, or online anytime at SwedishGiftStore.com!