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Pelle's New Suit
Pelle has a lamb whose coat grows longer and longer, while Pelle's Sunday suit grows shorter! Pelle shears the lamb, and the wool is carded, spun, dyed and woven. Finally, the tailor makes a new suit for Pelle.
30 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1912
7 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Elsa Beskow
109 books171 followers"Så långt jag minns tillbaka brukade vi syskon, liksom nästan alla barn, tycka mycket om att rita. Jag var bara sex år då jag hade klart för mig, att jag helst av allt ville lära mig rita, när jag blev stor, och allra helst rita i sagoböcker. Min bror och jag brukade ofta sitta och rita tillsammans. Han ritade vikingafejder och grekiska hjältestrider, medan jag ritade barn och stugor och landskap. Hans ritningar var säkert mycket bättre än mina. Jag kommer ihåg att jag beundrade dem mycket, fast jag nog tyckte att hans hjältar hade väl korta ben." Så berättar Elsa Beskow om sin barndom "När jag var liten" publicerad första gången i Barnbiblioteket Saga nr 35 (texten ovan tagen ur Solägget 1986) I samma berättelse skriver Elsa Beskow om hur roligt det var att gå i skolan och få lära sig läsa, hennes favoritbok var en tjock Topeliusbok som hon släpade med sig överallt och läste högt ur för sina syskon.
Redan som liten satte hon ihop långa sagor som hon berättade för sin ett år äldre bror, "Vanligen gick det till så, att han släpade mig med sig till en vrå, satte sig själv i vägen för mig, så att jag ej kunde rymma, och befallde: berätta nu! Och jag pladdrade på så gott jag kunde. Ibland tappade jag alldeles tråden i berättelsen och frågade honom bekymrad: 'Vad menar jag, Hans?' 'Kanske menar Elsa så…' föreslog han helt beredvilligt, och så fortgick berättelsen."
Elsa Beskow föddes 1874 på Söder i Stockholm. Hennes familj bestod av mor och far, fyra systrar och en bror. När Elsa Beskow var 15 år dog hennes far och modern blev ensam med barnen. Familjen flyttade till moderns ogifta yngre syskon som bodde tillsammans. Mostrarna och morbrodern blev verklighetens förebilder till Tant Grön, Tant Brun, Tant Gredelin och Farbror Blå.
Under åren 1892-95 utbildade sig Elsa Beskow till teckningslärare vid Tekniska skolan, det var också då som hon började att teckna för barn. 1897 gifte hon sig med Natanael Beskow, präst och konstnär. Paret fick sex söner, vilka många gånger kom att stå modell för barnen i hennes berättelser och sagor. Deras hus och vildvuxna trädgård i Djursholm fick ge inspiration till hennes besjälade blommor och växter. Elsa Beskows stil har jämförts med sekelskifteskonstnärer som Walter Crane och Kate Greenaway, men även Ottilia Adelborg. Första gången hennes bilder, bildberättelser och verser publicerades var 1894 för barntidningen Jultomten.
Barnboksdebuten kom 1897 med bilderboken Sagan om den lilla lilla gumman, en klassiker som de flesta barn känner till ännu idag. Elsa Beskow hade fått ramsan om den lilla gumman berättad för sig av sin mormor och i den första upplagan från 1897 slutar boken abrupt med gummans "Schas katta!" I nästa upplaga tyckte förläggaren på Wahlström och Widstrand att boken skulle sluta med "och katten sprang till skogs och kom aldrig mer igen" för så mindes han ramsan.
Men femtio år senare, i en ny upplaga, skrev Elsa Beskow till raden "Men kanske[br]ändå att han kom hem till slut" då flera barn blivit ledsna över det tidigare slutet.
Beskows bilder dominerade bilderbokskonsten under närmare 50 år och säkert har många av dagens bilderbokskonstnärer påverkats av hennes konst.
1952 erhöll Elsa Beskow Nils Holgersson-plaketten för sin samlade produktion. Det finns dessutom ett pris uppkallat efter henne, Elsa Beskow-plaketten, instiftat 1958 av Sveriges allmänna biblioteksförening.
Redan som liten satte hon ihop långa sagor som hon berättade för sin ett år äldre bror, "Vanligen gick det till så, att han släpade mig med sig till en vrå, satte sig själv i vägen för mig, så att jag ej kunde rymma, och befallde: berätta nu! Och jag pladdrade på så gott jag kunde. Ibland tappade jag alldeles tråden i berättelsen och frågade honom bekymrad: 'Vad menar jag, Hans?' 'Kanske menar Elsa så…' föreslog han helt beredvilligt, och så fortgick berättelsen."
Elsa Beskow föddes 1874 på Söder i Stockholm. Hennes familj bestod av mor och far, fyra systrar och en bror. När Elsa Beskow var 15 år dog hennes far och modern blev ensam med barnen. Familjen flyttade till moderns ogifta yngre syskon som bodde tillsammans. Mostrarna och morbrodern blev verklighetens förebilder till Tant Grön, Tant Brun, Tant Gredelin och Farbror Blå.
Under åren 1892-95 utbildade sig Elsa Beskow till teckningslärare vid Tekniska skolan, det var också då som hon började att teckna för barn. 1897 gifte hon sig med Natanael Beskow, präst och konstnär. Paret fick sex söner, vilka många gånger kom att stå modell för barnen i hennes berättelser och sagor. Deras hus och vildvuxna trädgård i Djursholm fick ge inspiration till hennes besjälade blommor och växter. Elsa Beskows stil har jämförts med sekelskifteskonstnärer som Walter Crane och Kate Greenaway, men även Ottilia Adelborg. Första gången hennes bilder, bildberättelser och verser publicerades var 1894 för barntidningen Jultomten.
Barnboksdebuten kom 1897 med bilderboken Sagan om den lilla lilla gumman, en klassiker som de flesta barn känner till ännu idag. Elsa Beskow hade fått ramsan om den lilla gumman berättad för sig av sin mormor och i den första upplagan från 1897 slutar boken abrupt med gummans "Schas katta!" I nästa upplaga tyckte förläggaren på Wahlström och Widstrand att boken skulle sluta med "och katten sprang till skogs och kom aldrig mer igen" för så mindes han ramsan.
Men femtio år senare, i en ny upplaga, skrev Elsa Beskow till raden "Men kanske[br]ändå att han kom hem till slut" då flera barn blivit ledsna över det tidigare slutet.
Beskows bilder dominerade bilderbokskonsten under närmare 50 år och säkert har många av dagens bilderbokskonstnärer påverkats av hennes konst.
1952 erhöll Elsa Beskow Nils Holgersson-plaketten för sin samlade produktion. Det finns dessutom ett pris uppkallat efter henne, Elsa Beskow-plaketten, instiftat 1958 av Sveriges allmänna biblioteksförening.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 24, 2025
I decided to read Elsa Beskow's absolutely both textually and visually delightful 1912 picture book Pelles nya kläder (Pelle's New Suit) in French, as Paul et son habit neuf, because our public library system only has, only owns Paul et son habit neuf (and that furthermore I am also actively trying not to purchase so many picture books, mostly due to an ever-increasing lack of shelf space, that books are literally taking over).
And indeed, I absolutely and massively do adore both Elsa Beskow's (and by extension also the anonymous translator's) presented narrative and equally so the accompanying illustrations for Paul et son habit neuf (for they are sweet, gentle, and also realistically but at the same time imaginatively engaging).
Now I have always enjoyed Elsa Beskow's picture books, not only because of the wonderful, glowing Jugendstil-like illustrations, but even more so because there is such a loving, respectful attitude towards children and children's abilities and responsibilities textually featured in and by Beskow's stories. Children are neither approached as irresponsible and completely dependent on adult guidance, nor are they portrayed as miniature adults; they are children, but Elsa Beskow shows them as having responsibilities and that kids can indeed and definitely be trusted with household and farm chores and general work. And in Paul et son habit neuf Paul (or Pelle) thus does get his new Sunday suit, but in order to get the wool from his lamb to the tailor, he has to not only ask the people around him (Paul's family and acquaintances) for favours, he also has to do favours for them to reciprocate. Thus, Paul's one grandmother cards the wool, and in exchange, Paul weeds her garden; his other grandmother spins the carded wool, while Paul watches over her cows.
But yes, yes, yes, I absolutely adore, I totally the give and take of Paul et son habit neuf and I also massively appreciate that Paul is seen as being mature enough to raise and care for a lamb, weed his grandmother's garden, even take a boat across the lake on a solo errand for the painter.
For fans of Elsa Beskow and really for anyone (young and old) who enjoys sweet and engaging, old-fashioned family type stories, Paul et son habit neuf is absolutely a both visual and textual delight and highly, and warmly recommended with a solidly shining five star rating. And just to say that I have also now read the English translation of Pelles nya kläder which is published by Floris Books of Edinburgh as Pelle's New Suit online, and while I have certainly enjoyed Pelle's New Suit I do indeed like Paul et son habit neuf quite a bit better (textually speaking).
And indeed, I absolutely and massively do adore both Elsa Beskow's (and by extension also the anonymous translator's) presented narrative and equally so the accompanying illustrations for Paul et son habit neuf (for they are sweet, gentle, and also realistically but at the same time imaginatively engaging).
Now I have always enjoyed Elsa Beskow's picture books, not only because of the wonderful, glowing Jugendstil-like illustrations, but even more so because there is such a loving, respectful attitude towards children and children's abilities and responsibilities textually featured in and by Beskow's stories. Children are neither approached as irresponsible and completely dependent on adult guidance, nor are they portrayed as miniature adults; they are children, but Elsa Beskow shows them as having responsibilities and that kids can indeed and definitely be trusted with household and farm chores and general work. And in Paul et son habit neuf Paul (or Pelle) thus does get his new Sunday suit, but in order to get the wool from his lamb to the tailor, he has to not only ask the people around him (Paul's family and acquaintances) for favours, he also has to do favours for them to reciprocate. Thus, Paul's one grandmother cards the wool, and in exchange, Paul weeds her garden; his other grandmother spins the carded wool, while Paul watches over her cows.
But yes, yes, yes, I absolutely adore, I totally the give and take of Paul et son habit neuf and I also massively appreciate that Paul is seen as being mature enough to raise and care for a lamb, weed his grandmother's garden, even take a boat across the lake on a solo errand for the painter.
For fans of Elsa Beskow and really for anyone (young and old) who enjoys sweet and engaging, old-fashioned family type stories, Paul et son habit neuf is absolutely a both visual and textual delight and highly, and warmly recommended with a solidly shining five star rating. And just to say that I have also now read the English translation of Pelles nya kläder which is published by Floris Books of Edinburgh as Pelle's New Suit online, and while I have certainly enjoyed Pelle's New Suit I do indeed like Paul et son habit neuf quite a bit better (textually speaking).
October 27, 2021
This delightful picture book shows us the long journey from Pelle clipping some fleece from his pet sheep to it being made into a warm suit. Pelle needs some help with the processes in between so goes to ask others in the village. When they help him, he does something to help in return. Elsa Beskow’s illustrations beautiful and there are some Lovely scenes of Swedish village life. Such a lovely way for children to learn about the processes involved in making a garment and that not so long clothes were always made this way!
November 20, 2011
This book shows how a little boy got his new suit back before ready-to-wear clothing. But making a new suit is not just about the steps of preparing and spinning the wool, it is also about the cooperative exchange of skills and labor that occurred in small communities. Pelle raises the lamb himself and shears it, but then must ask a series of relatives and neighbors for assistance in the multiple steps of making the wool into thread, the thread into cloth, cloth into suit, etc. In exchange he helps with chores and errands.
I liked that Pelle had responsibility even though he was a kid, but still seemed like a real child, not a miniature grown-up. The illustrations show younger children doing various chores and playing games in the background, depicting a gradual increase in responsibility. You can see some of them looking admiringly at Pelle, as little kids do at "big" boys and girls.
Can you really make a suit from just one's lamb worth of wool, though?
I liked that Pelle had responsibility even though he was a kid, but still seemed like a real child, not a miniature grown-up. The illustrations show younger children doing various chores and playing games in the background, depicting a gradual increase in responsibility. You can see some of them looking admiringly at Pelle, as little kids do at "big" boys and girls.
Can you really make a suit from just one's lamb worth of wool, though?
January 4, 2022
I love absolutely everything about this book. I would like to live inside it.
April 21, 2021
This title was new to me so I didn't know what to expect. I loved the way the steps were delineated for making a suit, starting with a furry lamb. And Pelle has a role in each step.
1) shear a lamb -- Pelle cuts his pet's wooly coat
2) comb the wool -- Pelle's grandmother does this while Pelle tends her garden
3) spin the wool -- Pelle's other grandmother does this while Pelle watches the cows
4) dye the wool -- Pelle earns the money for the dye by doing an errand for a painter; Pelle dyes his wool
5) weave the wool -- Pelle's mother does this while Pelle takes care of his little sister
6) sew the suit from the material -- Pelle rakes hay, brings in wood, and feeds the pigs for the tailor
I liked the story on many levels, but I didn't know what a child would have to say about it. So, last night I read it to my nephew who is two-and-a-half years old. He sat quietly studying each picture and I wondered what he was thinking. When we got to the end, he said "Again," which is always a good sign. I started to summarize the process instead of reading all the words, but I was told adamantly to "Read the words." When we were done, he said he wanted to play with Pelle. I think that's a good recommendation. And I wish we did have a Pelle in the neighborhood because I would definitely set up a play date.
1) shear a lamb -- Pelle cuts his pet's wooly coat
2) comb the wool -- Pelle's grandmother does this while Pelle tends her garden
3) spin the wool -- Pelle's other grandmother does this while Pelle watches the cows
4) dye the wool -- Pelle earns the money for the dye by doing an errand for a painter; Pelle dyes his wool
5) weave the wool -- Pelle's mother does this while Pelle takes care of his little sister
6) sew the suit from the material -- Pelle rakes hay, brings in wood, and feeds the pigs for the tailor
I liked the story on many levels, but I didn't know what a child would have to say about it. So, last night I read it to my nephew who is two-and-a-half years old. He sat quietly studying each picture and I wondered what he was thinking. When we got to the end, he said "Again," which is always a good sign. I started to summarize the process instead of reading all the words, but I was told adamantly to "Read the words." When we were done, he said he wanted to play with Pelle. I think that's a good recommendation. And I wish we did have a Pelle in the neighborhood because I would definitely set up a play date.
August 18, 2020
This Swedish tale is beautifully written and illustrated. I loved how Pelle when through the steps of creating his new suit, from shearing his lamb for wool, carding, spinning, weaving, dying, tailoring, etc. I also loved the work he did to help others who helped him in the process of making his new blue suit. My granddaughter was fascinated with the stages of the creation of his suit. The illustrations are gorgeous. A new book to love! One of the reviewers mentioned that it's available in French, so I hope to locate that edition also!
July 7, 2015
Category/Genre: Picture Book
Age Level: Pre K-3rd Grade
Reading Level: 1st/2nd grade, approximately
“Pelle’s New Suit” is by Elsa Beskow, one of Sweden’s best-loved author/illustrators for children in the early 20th century. It tells the story of little Pelle, a Swedish country boy, who is able to get a fine wool suit made for himself from his sheep’s wool. The book is a simply told, beautifully illustrated how-to on how wool actually became clothing in days of old, when people raised animals and used their by-products to make what was needed. The Swedish country life depicted in the pictures is wholesome and charming—reading and looking at this book lets the audience into a world gone by, but also into the perennial being of a determined, hopeful child.
2 characteristics that make this a quality Picture Book:
-The illustrations in a picture book rely on perspective to help tell the story/relay information.
Beskow’s illustrations always showcase Pelle in the middle of the picture that is drawn as if the viewer is in front of the scene at a distance from which things are not too close or too far; for lack of a better way to describe it, the viewer’s perspective is “just right.” I believe the intention of this static perspective is to keep the reader/viewer wholly engaged in this how-to or that-could-be-me mindset of the story. Pelle is a steady character who methodically takes his desire from wool-to-suit. The way the pictures “work” in the book reflect the story’s protagonist.
-The use of media in picture books varies, and the media used sets a tone for the story.
The illustrations in “Pelle’s New Suit” are realistic, but have a soft quality about them that makes the story feel inviting. With the use of pen and ink, and a soft palette of paints, Elsa Beskow depicts an inviting country landscape that appears quite comfortable; none of the harsh elements of country living (manure, sharp rocks, rough weather, etc.) are included in Pelle’s environment.
“Pelle’s New Suit” is one of those charming, old-fashioned picture books that captivates young children regardless of their interests. I have read it to literally hundreds of children and they all are drawn in by this independent and goal-oriented main character who is very much in charge of himself, even when he is doing work for a grown-up in exchange for help in making the suit. Pelle is, in his own quiet way, an ordinary hero who gets exactly what he wants because he is determined, helpful and smart. At the end of the story, when Pelle is proudly wearing his beautiful blue suit on Sunday morning, he thanks his lamb for it—a quiet ending that is then given the perfect exclamation when the lamb baas so loudly, it sounds “almost as if he were laughing.” Children love that part—the special bond and communication between this little boy and his useful pet seem to strike a chord of unity for everyone. This book encourages young children to make something, be productive, go out in their piece of the world and “dig in.” It is also a simple, lovely book to listen to and look at—giving children books that invite them in so readily helps them on their way to becoming willing and able readers.
Find a review at: http://www.eyelevelbooks.com/2009/08/...
*It is difficult to find anything but customer reviews on this book on the www. Although the above URL is attached to a Christian-based site, I consider the review to be unbiased and a true description of the book. The opinion of the author of the review is fair and free of religious connotations/judgment.
Age Level: Pre K-3rd Grade
Reading Level: 1st/2nd grade, approximately
“Pelle’s New Suit” is by Elsa Beskow, one of Sweden’s best-loved author/illustrators for children in the early 20th century. It tells the story of little Pelle, a Swedish country boy, who is able to get a fine wool suit made for himself from his sheep’s wool. The book is a simply told, beautifully illustrated how-to on how wool actually became clothing in days of old, when people raised animals and used their by-products to make what was needed. The Swedish country life depicted in the pictures is wholesome and charming—reading and looking at this book lets the audience into a world gone by, but also into the perennial being of a determined, hopeful child.
2 characteristics that make this a quality Picture Book:
-The illustrations in a picture book rely on perspective to help tell the story/relay information.
Beskow’s illustrations always showcase Pelle in the middle of the picture that is drawn as if the viewer is in front of the scene at a distance from which things are not too close or too far; for lack of a better way to describe it, the viewer’s perspective is “just right.” I believe the intention of this static perspective is to keep the reader/viewer wholly engaged in this how-to or that-could-be-me mindset of the story. Pelle is a steady character who methodically takes his desire from wool-to-suit. The way the pictures “work” in the book reflect the story’s protagonist.
-The use of media in picture books varies, and the media used sets a tone for the story.
The illustrations in “Pelle’s New Suit” are realistic, but have a soft quality about them that makes the story feel inviting. With the use of pen and ink, and a soft palette of paints, Elsa Beskow depicts an inviting country landscape that appears quite comfortable; none of the harsh elements of country living (manure, sharp rocks, rough weather, etc.) are included in Pelle’s environment.
“Pelle’s New Suit” is one of those charming, old-fashioned picture books that captivates young children regardless of their interests. I have read it to literally hundreds of children and they all are drawn in by this independent and goal-oriented main character who is very much in charge of himself, even when he is doing work for a grown-up in exchange for help in making the suit. Pelle is, in his own quiet way, an ordinary hero who gets exactly what he wants because he is determined, helpful and smart. At the end of the story, when Pelle is proudly wearing his beautiful blue suit on Sunday morning, he thanks his lamb for it—a quiet ending that is then given the perfect exclamation when the lamb baas so loudly, it sounds “almost as if he were laughing.” Children love that part—the special bond and communication between this little boy and his useful pet seem to strike a chord of unity for everyone. This book encourages young children to make something, be productive, go out in their piece of the world and “dig in.” It is also a simple, lovely book to listen to and look at—giving children books that invite them in so readily helps them on their way to becoming willing and able readers.
Find a review at: http://www.eyelevelbooks.com/2009/08/...
*It is difficult to find anything but customer reviews on this book on the www. Although the above URL is attached to a Christian-based site, I consider the review to be unbiased and a true description of the book. The opinion of the author of the review is fair and free of religious connotations/judgment.
October 19, 2018
When Pelle - the eponymous little hero of this classic Swedish picture-book, first published in 1912 as Pelles nya kläder - begins to outgrow his suit, he looks to his lamb for the solution to his problem. Shearing the lamb of its fleece, Pelle appeals to his grandmother for help in carding the wool - something she is willing to do, if he will weed her carrot patch for her. Having obtained the carded wool, Pelle next appeals to his other grandmother, asking her help in spinning the wool into yarn. She too is willing, if Pelle will tend to her cows for her. And so it goes, with Pelle exchanging his services - from running errands to babysitting his sister - for the skilled aid of the adults around him, until finally, he has a brand new suit!
The narrative of this one reminded me a bit of a folktale - the kind in which the hero or heroine must arrange a series of exchanges, in order to eventually gain what they want - with the added benefit of providing an educational 'summary' of how cloth and clothing was made, before the advent of mass production. The simple text appears below each page-sized illustration, on the right, with a facing page that is entirely blank. Such an abundance of white space might be overwhelming in some books, but here the overall effect is one of unrushed peace - a feeling well-suited to this gentle tale, with its sweet illustrations. Recommended to anyone who enjoys Elsa Beskow's artwork, or is looking for a gentle tale that emphasizes the importance of give and take, and working for what you want.
The narrative of this one reminded me a bit of a folktale - the kind in which the hero or heroine must arrange a series of exchanges, in order to eventually gain what they want - with the added benefit of providing an educational 'summary' of how cloth and clothing was made, before the advent of mass production. The simple text appears below each page-sized illustration, on the right, with a facing page that is entirely blank. Such an abundance of white space might be overwhelming in some books, but here the overall effect is one of unrushed peace - a feeling well-suited to this gentle tale, with its sweet illustrations. Recommended to anyone who enjoys Elsa Beskow's artwork, or is looking for a gentle tale that emphasizes the importance of give and take, and working for what you want.
April 30, 2019
Such lovely illustrations.
April 20, 2021
Ridiculously wholesome, as you might imagine from a book first published in 1912. Very cute - the small size, lovely illustrations, relaxed plot, and virtuous message all work together to make it a little delight. I'm not sure how kids today would receive it - it definitely doesn't have the comedy or drama that are more popular at the moment, it's very much of the time it was made. But I could still see it appealing to some in the way that classics tend to do.
December 10, 2022
This book was given to us by a family member. What a treasure! It is very old, but this story of a boy from Sweden and his pet is most endearing. The art is gorgeous! Pelle’s story is loved around here, and asked for over and over.
February 20, 2025
Floris publishers. Feb 2025 in Children's Books group.
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Rounding up to four stars because I would have enjoyed it even more when I was a child, and it has well stood the test of time. I'm sure that there are plenty of young children who would enjoy this reissue, and of course parents will be glad to show their kids this hard-working role model.
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Rounding up to four stars because I would have enjoyed it even more when I was a child, and it has well stood the test of time. I'm sure that there are plenty of young children who would enjoy this reissue, and of course parents will be glad to show their kids this hard-working role model.
November 3, 2015
Summarize the book
Pelle has outgrown his suit so he decides he needs a new one. Many people offer to help him with his new suit in exchange for something they need help with. Over the course of one week, Pelle's lamb gives him wool which his grandmother cards for him in exchange for weeding her garden. His other grandma spins the wool and Pelle tends her cows...and so on and so forth until on Sunday, Pelle has a new suit to wear to church.
Identify the characteristics from the text that support the specific genre
The text of the book is simple and cumulative and the story is told as much through the pictures as words. The story is fictitious (and very simple so the genre is "traditional" I'd say. Also, it is an early childhood book.
Identify specific concepts that could be integrated into the classroom.
The themes of sharing / helping are well addressed by this book. Also, the way the book is structured (all of the trading as the story progresses from wool to suit) i would make it a great model for a group writing exercise in the same style. If there were already other languages used or being taught in the classroom, it would be interesting to either create a translation to another language and create art in the style of cultures associated with that language OR to translate pieces of it.
Provide any other suggestions that would be useful regarding literary content, reading level, and other ways in which the book might be integrated.
The book is well-suited to readers' theatre for very young children because it is highly memorizable even by non-readers. Because the book was written and illustrated in Sweden in 1912 one could look at its historical and /or cultural context.
Point of interest: we named our daughter, Elsa, after the author because I loved the image of childhood she creates. It is what I wanted for my children; magic, wonder, nature...
Pelle has outgrown his suit so he decides he needs a new one. Many people offer to help him with his new suit in exchange for something they need help with. Over the course of one week, Pelle's lamb gives him wool which his grandmother cards for him in exchange for weeding her garden. His other grandma spins the wool and Pelle tends her cows...and so on and so forth until on Sunday, Pelle has a new suit to wear to church.
Identify the characteristics from the text that support the specific genre
The text of the book is simple and cumulative and the story is told as much through the pictures as words. The story is fictitious (and very simple so the genre is "traditional" I'd say. Also, it is an early childhood book.
Identify specific concepts that could be integrated into the classroom.
The themes of sharing / helping are well addressed by this book. Also, the way the book is structured (all of the trading as the story progresses from wool to suit) i would make it a great model for a group writing exercise in the same style. If there were already other languages used or being taught in the classroom, it would be interesting to either create a translation to another language and create art in the style of cultures associated with that language OR to translate pieces of it.
Provide any other suggestions that would be useful regarding literary content, reading level, and other ways in which the book might be integrated.
The book is well-suited to readers' theatre for very young children because it is highly memorizable even by non-readers. Because the book was written and illustrated in Sweden in 1912 one could look at its historical and /or cultural context.
Point of interest: we named our daughter, Elsa, after the author because I loved the image of childhood she creates. It is what I wanted for my children; magic, wonder, nature...
August 15, 2009
Pelle, a young Swedish boy, has a lamb which he cares for himself. When he begins to outgrow his coat, he shears the lamb and seeks help from his family and community to card, spin, weave, dye, and sew the wool into a suit, trading chores for the help that others give him. Finally he puts on his new suit and thanks the lamb for the wool, while all the people who have participated in the project look on.
The illustrations in this story are charming, and the story is delightful on many levels. In contrast with the modern stereotype of childhood as a season of entertainment and consumption, Pelle not only demonstrates responsibility in caring for his lamb, but also contributes to the priorities and needs of others as they care for him. The story also gives a picture of how clothing and fabrics were laboriously crafted before the advent of industrial mass-production, and the cooperative nature of the project emphasizes a value for community. All these elements combine to create a book which is comforting, enjoyable and educational.
The illustrations in this story are charming, and the story is delightful on many levels. In contrast with the modern stereotype of childhood as a season of entertainment and consumption, Pelle not only demonstrates responsibility in caring for his lamb, but also contributes to the priorities and needs of others as they care for him. The story also gives a picture of how clothing and fabrics were laboriously crafted before the advent of industrial mass-production, and the cooperative nature of the project emphasizes a value for community. All these elements combine to create a book which is comforting, enjoyable and educational.
May 15, 2009
Pelle gets a new suit, but he doesn't go to the store to buy it. He shears the sheep and then barters for all the other work needed to make the suit, carding the wool, spinning it, getting dye to dye it, and finally having the suit made.
December 26, 2020
Got this book as a little kid, beautiful pictures and teaching a working moral
May 12, 2019
Lovely illustrations, then again I’m a Beskow fan. This is a story about a boy who has outgrown his clothes (something familiar to most children), and the work he exchanges with various people along the way to getting new ones. While children today may not wear the same kinds of everyday clothes and certainly don’t barter their way through each step of getting them made, the story is a lovely way to see how many different steps it takes to get from the sheep wearing the wool to a piece of clothing. While global industrialization has combined many of those steps, it has also made them largely invisible. And if we don’t learn how our clothes are made, it’s unlikely we’ll ever think about the people who make our clothes, much less the quality of their lives— even though their work enhances ours.
February 20, 2024
I'm sooo happy our library is finally adding some Elsa Beskow books to the collection. I've long admired her work. This one is new-to-me and was an utter delight. I wish I could magic the book, like Mary Poppins does with the chalk drawings, and step into the world of the illustrations for awhile. . They are sooo lovely and soothing and bursting with spring. The story is engagingly told and I love the message! Pelle doesn't take anyone for granted, and he knows that time taken to perform one task (help make his new suit) is time lost from another task (whatever the person was doing before he asked them for help). It's wonderful that he finds a way to help the people who help him, and so sweet that he even thanks his sweet sheep for the wool.
July 17, 2020
I have had this book at my house for years. It was a discarded copy from my first school library job in 1999, I just thought it was so beautiful I couldn't give it away! I read it today with my 2 1/2 year old grand daughter who was mesmerized by it. The pictures are beautiful, the story is about giving and sharing and working for what you have. And appreciation! The boy thanks his sheep for the wool. So sweet and lovely.
This copy has no date of publication, I think it's pretty old, possibly the 1929 edition.
This copy has no date of publication, I think it's pretty old, possibly the 1929 edition.
April 3, 2021
What hard work to get a new suit if you are a young Swedish boy! From caring for the sheep, to weaving the cloth, and sewing the stitches, so many people in the community were involved!!! This story also reminded me of learning to weave in Guatemala, where many, many families are also involved in the creation of cloth. Really nice illustrations too! Just wish the book was in Swedish so I could have read about Pelles nya kläder!!
October 18, 2021
Loved the old, Swedish feel. Loved how it goes through the process from sheep to suit. I even liked how pelle worked so hard and it took a village to make the suit. I just don't like the language she uses about kids (brat) and that even his grandmothers would only help with his suit if he did something for them
November 16, 2022
This is such a great picture book. It’s a great way to talk about sequencing, get kids thinking about how everyday items we take for granted as just magically appearing at a store were once created by hand, talk about responsibility and working together with the community, and the illustrations are wonderful
March 16, 2017
My boys love this book. We've read it several times a week for several years and they still don't tire of the story. Beautiful pictures, lovely translation. And a wonderful story of childhood independence and hard work.
October 26, 2021
Sweet little book, prettily illustrated that describes how the world works. It isn't just about Pelle getting the clothes he needs - its about how he exchanges work for work in the process. Besides that, the little ones loved it!
December 30, 2023
One of my favorite children’s books. The illustrations are adorable, and the setting and characters are interesting and sweet. It is a lovely story of community and love and hard work, and kindly looking out for one another.
July 27, 2024
very gentle story about a little boy making a blue suit from his lamb’s wool, after a series of exchanges. it covers a bygone rustic lifestyle, but is still worthwhile for babies in order to illustrate responsibility (a little bit like that japanese tv show).
June 12, 2017
Read-Aloud Revival recommendation for May picture books.
June 13, 2018
Picture Book
December 3, 2018
One of my favorites done by Beskow!
April 9, 2019
A charming story about a community coming together and teaching the values of hard work to get what you want.
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