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Рождественская каша

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На дворе сочельник.
Пушистый белый снежок неподвижно лежит на елях и крышах домов.
А гномы ждут, когда хозяева дома преподнесут им тарелочку вкусной рождественской каши!
Но тут случается непредвиденное…
Новая книга замечательного шведского художника и писателя Свена Нурдквиста рассказывает о рождестве в семействе гномов, где царят свои традиции.
На Новый год хозяева должны поднести им тарелку каши, а не то случатся несчастья. Но в этом году люди забыли древние обычаи, и гномам надо спасать положение.
Забавные приключения семейки крошечных человечков и их несравненной мыши.

28 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

142 people want to read

About the author

Sven Nordqvist

174 books288 followers
Sven Nordqvist (born 30 April 1946) is a Swedish writer and illustrator of children's books. He is best known for his series Pettson and Findus, about an old farmer, Pettson, and his talented cat, Findus.

Nordqvist was born in Helsingborg and grew up in Halmstad, Sweden. He originally wanted to be an illustrator but was rejected by several art schools. Instead he studied architecture at Lund Institute of Technology, and worked for a time there as a lecturer in architecture. At the same time he continued to look for work as an illustrator working on advertisements, posters and picture books. In 1983 he won first prize in a children's book competition and since then has worked exclusively as an author and illustrator of children's books.

He is married and has two grown sons.

During his career, he has been given awards in both Sweden and Germany. His Pettson and Findus books are especially popular in Germany, where the characters are known as Pettersson and Findus. In Danish they are called Peddersen and Findus. In Finnish they are called Pesonen and Viiru. And in English, Festus and Mercury, though English translations of the books exist with the original names kept.

In 2007 he won the literary award Augustpriset in the children's books category, for his book Var är min syster? ("Where is my sister?"). In 1992 he won the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis

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5 stars
172 (48%)
4 stars
127 (35%)
3 stars
43 (12%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for ♡ Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡  .
5,212 reviews648 followers
November 22, 2023
So ein schönes Weihnachtsbuch! Eigentlich ist es ja für Kinder, aber ich finde, dass es auch für Erwachsene ein wertvolles und wirklich schönes Buch ist!
Es geht um eine Wichtelfamilie, die eigentlich zu Weihnachten immer eine Schüssel Reisbrei als Dankeschön erhält. Diesmal aber scheint man sie vergessen zu haben... Der Weihnachtsmann ist einfach wichtiger... Doch die Wichtelmama lässt sich etwas einfallen.
Es ist eine sehr schöne Geschichte mit einer wertvollen Botschaft, dazu wunderbar illustriert von Sven Nordqvist.
Profile Image for Manybooks.
3,854 reviews100 followers
January 31, 2025
Sven Nordqvist's The Tomte's Christmas Porridge (the original Swedish title of Julgröten has been translated into English by Polly Lawson) is a fun and very much lively account how the female tomten at a Swedish farm are forced to basically hijack their host family's Christmas porridge on Christmas Eve (it is the time-honoured tradition and rule to leave porridge for the protective house and farm tomten every Christmas Eve, but this time, the family has seemingly forgotten, and to prevent future bad luck, the mother tomte takes the host family's own Christmas porridge before the male tomten, the father and grandfather, become aware of what has happened and justifiably angry). A humours and fun original tale with a bit of adventure and possible mayhem thrown in for good measure (and also presenting Scandinavian Christmas traditions), sweetly enjoyable, although the accompanying illustrations, while definitely bright and lively, are sometimes a bit too yellow hued for my personal tastes. Still most highly recommended (both for children and also for adults, especially if one is interested in Scandinavian/Nordic culture, traditions and folklore)!
Profile Image for Lady Clementina ffinch-ffarowmore.
945 reviews246 followers
October 20, 2023
My thanks to Floris Books for a review copy of this one via Edelweiss.

As an introductory note in The Tomtes’ Christmas Porridge by Sven Nordqvist explains, tomtes are gnome-like creatures who live in farms and help the family with various little tasks (usually with the animals). They aren’t visible to the eye—my impression was something like the Borrowers, living in secret spaces in the home, though unlike the Borrowers, the tomtes seem to meet their wants themselves.

Stockholm-based Swedish writer and illustrator Sven Nordqvist tells a story of The Tomtes’ Christmas Porridge (first published in 1986 and in English in 2011), based on traditional folklore according to which every Christmas, the family whose home the Tomtes live in (and whom they help in various ways across the year, especially caring for the animals on the farm) must leave out a bowl of Christmas porridge (or rice pudding) for them. In the farm in this story, we have Papa and Mama Tomte, their children Polka, Pulka, and Pilka (Pilka being only four years old) and Grandfather Tomte (who is now 427 years old). It is Christmas and Papa Tomte eagerly awaits the bowl of Christmas porridge. It isn’t a question of want (the Tomtes’ own Christmas dinner is being prepared including a soup of mushrooms, herbs and berries and their magical beer which on its own varies in strength depending on the age of the drinker) or indeed taste as we learn when little Polka points out that mama’s porridge is just as delicious but a sign of respect and thanks, and if the family missed putting this out, Papa would be very angry indeed. Mama Tomte being a mother, has a different temperament and sixth sense and realises (in a moment rather reminiscent of the Bear and the Nightingale books—of old traditions and spirits being forgotten) that the family is more likely to be absorbed by Father Christmas and would likely forget to put out the tomtes’ Christmas Porridge. She is unwilling to have Papa get disappointed or angry (for this can have consequences) and makes up a plan to prevent this. We see how this plan is carried out, and its outcome for the humans and Tomtes—a happy one, don’t worry.

This is a charming little tale, with lovely Christmassy illustrations (and palette)—there’s snow, lights, family, food—everything to make it joyous and lovely, and Mama’s solution is a pleasant one too, which unintendedly leads the family to realise their slip as well, and promise to never forget the tomtes’ porridge in future. They also realise that they’ve been lucky as it was Mama Tomte and not Papa who took matters into her own hands. A great way to learn some Scandinavian folklore too.

On my blog with a few of the illus: https://potpourri2015.wordpress.com/2...
Profile Image for Abigail.
8,038 reviews267 followers
January 11, 2019
Swedish picture-book creator extraordinaire, Sven Nordqvist, who is responsible for that marvelous series of tales about the farmer Pettson and his feline companion Findus, turns his attention to the subject of the tomten, the little, gnome-like creatures said to guard the farms of Sweden, in this entertaining holiday title. When the farm family forget to set out Papa Tomte's Christmas porridge, as is traditional, kindhearted Mama Tomte foresees a bad year ahead for everyone, and kicks into action to prevent a crisis. She and her two children set out to steal the necessary porridge, so that Papa never suspects he has been disrespected, and never takes his ire out on the hapless (and forgetful) farm family. A madcap adventure ensues, one which reminds the human family of the existence of their tomtes, and leaves Papa content...

Originally published in Sweden as Julgröten, this wonderfully engaging Christmas tale is one that I had to wait a long time to read! Somehow, every time I went to request it at the library, where they own just the one copy, there was a long waiting list for it. This year I just decided to add myself to the list, and read it whenever it came to me, even if Christmas had already passed. I'm glad that I did, as The Tomtes' Christmas Pudding is a charming picture-book, one which pairs an entertaining and ultimately heartwarming story with detailed, appealing artwork. I'm a huge fan of the Pettson och Findus series, so I fully expected to enjoy this one. That said, given my mixed reactions to the publisher, Floris Books', translations, I was a bit surprised to find the narrative itself so pleasing. Perhaps if I had another version with which to compare it, I would find, much as I did when comparing the American translations of the Pettson och Findus books with other English versions, that it was lacking. In the absence of other such translations however, I can simply say that Polly Lawson has produced an appealing text here.

With regard to the artwork, I was charmed to see that the farm cat, seen in many of the illustrations here, bore a strong resemblance to Findus - that was a nice touch! I thought it was interesting that Nordqvist chose to depict the human family here in a historical setting, and I found myself wondering whether this indicated that the custom being depicted in the story - leaving out the Christmas porridge for the farm's tomten - was now considered old-fashioned. I also thought it was interesting that the children were waiting on Father Christmas, as I thought the Swedish gift-giver at this time of year was the Christmas Goat, as seen in Elsa Beskow's marvelous Peter and Lotta's Christmas . Perhaps that too is an older tradition, no longer observed as much? I wish I knew! Leaving these questions aside, this was just a delightfully magical Christmas tale, one I would recommend to fans of tomte tales, and to those readers looking for enchanted holiday fare.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
13.1k reviews483 followers
April 2, 2023
Absolutely delightful. Do not forget to put out the Christmas porridge to thank the smallest members of the household! Mama tomte is a wonderful character. The details in the picture are to pore over, spend time with.
Profile Image for Aylin Kuhls.
468 reviews
December 16, 2023
So toll! Alles, was ich an Kinderbüchern liebe! Und Sven Nordquist mochte ich schon immer gerne. Schön, jetzt auch diese Perle zu kennen. ✨
Profile Image for Emma L.B..
367 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2016
Den här var så gott som perfekt. Så perfekt som det bara kan bli med jul, Sven Nordqvist och Helge Skoog. Seriöst, Helge är helt underbar på att läsa in sagor och ljudböcker. Han lever sin in i rollerna, men inte för mycket. Han är tydlig och pratar i precis lagom tempo. Att kombinera honom med Sven Nordqvist är som att kombinera choklad med popcorn; Det blir himmelskt!

Älskar bakgrundsljuden i den här. Det är precis lagom mycket tissel och tassel för att höja mysighetsnivån ännu mer, och så Sven Nordqvist. Jag har igenom hela mitt liv beundrat den här mannen inte bara för hans teckningar, utan för hans sätt att skriva. Han är en enorm inspiration till mitt egna skrivande. Allt han skriver blir guld.

Det är svårt att förklara, men han skriver så simpelt, och samtidigt inte. Väldigt målande, men ändå inte. Väldigt utförligt men ändå inte. Jag bara älskar det.

Satt och drack glögg medan jag lyssnade igenom den här. Julfaktorn var enorm och jag bara mös!
Jag fick en sådan underbar känsla i hela mig och jag bara älskar det. Ska definitivt lyssna om den här när snön kommit så jag kan sitta och kolla på fallande snö och få ännu mer mysighet.
Profile Image for Elina Mäntylammi.
727 reviews37 followers
December 28, 2019
Joulukuussa kokoan kaikki talon joulukirjat pinoksi, josta voi poimia luettavaa iltasaduiksi. Sven Nordqvistin Joulupuuroa en ollut vielä kuopukselle lukenutkaan, joten tulipa omaksi iloksikin sukellettua vanhanajan joulutunnelmaan.

Nordqvistin kuvitus hivelee silmää ja jännitystä riittää, kun tonttuperhe yrittää pelastaa perinnettä, jossa heille on tuotu joulupuurot talon portaille. Perinne lienee syytä elvyyttä, sillä sen verran tärkeä se on tontuille.
696 reviews20 followers
August 18, 2020
I loved learning about the Swedish tradition of tomtes (little gnome-like creatures) who help the Swedish farmer. This is a charming Christmas story about the tradition of leaving Christmas porridge as a thank you for the tomtes who help the farmers all year long. The illustrations in this book are gorgeous. My g'little was enthralled with this wonderful tale of Swedish Christmas traditions. This story is something wonderful to add to Christmas traditions.
Profile Image for Cheri.
2,041 reviews2,986 followers
October 17, 2023

It is an annual tradition that every Christmas Eve the Master leaves an offering to the tomtes as a way of thanking them for the things they do through the year, but Mama tomte is aware that he has become somewhat forgetful lately, and is sure that he will forget once more. They make a plan to steal the Christmas porridge, hoping they won’t be discovered. A sweetly humorous story for young children that all will enjoy as the holidays approach.


Published: September 5, 2023

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Floris Books / Ingram Publisher Services
Profile Image for Preili Pipar.
656 reviews20 followers
October 22, 2021
See oli sama tore lugemine, kui Finduse ja Pettsoni lood :) Ja sellised armsad jõululood meeldivad mulle alati.
Kas teadsid, et päkapikkudele tuleb jõuluõhtul panna kausiga putru. Muidu võivad majapäkapikud saada pahaseks ja siis tuleb perel tõeliselt raske aasta. Sest tegelikult on nii, et majapäkapikud käivad meid, inimesi, abistamas :)
Profile Image for Sara.
1,629 reviews5 followers
December 29, 2014
A lovely new Christmas book to add to my collection. I love that this is based on a Swedish tradition. I can't wait to reread it when I unpack the Christmas box next year.
Profile Image for Debby Baumgartner.
2,248 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2016
Tomtes are secret helpers on the farm. As a thank you the family should leave porridge with butter on Christmas Eve for them. What happens when a family forgets?
Profile Image for Kailey (Luminous Libro).
3,603 reviews545 followers
December 12, 2023
The tomte family watch over the human family farm throughout the year, and each Christmas the humans leave out a special bowl of Christmas porridge to thank the tomtes for their protection and help. But Mama tomte has a flash of presentiment that the humans will forget to put out the porridge this year! She knows that Papa tomte will be so mad that he will make trouble around the farm all year long. She hatches a plan with little Polka and Pulka to make sure that they get the Christmas porridge, but Papa tomte must never find out! As the human family gather around for Christmas dinner, the tomtes watch and listen for Santa Claus to come, and Mama tomte looks for the perfect opportunity to put her secret plan in motion.

This book is delightful! I love the story and the characters and the Christmas magic! I love the tomte family, from the old grandfather who is 427 years old right down to the littlest tomte, Pilka, who is only 4 years old. There is something so enchanting and cozy about this book!

The illustrations show all the little nooks and crannies and secret trapdoors where the tomtes can sneak through the house and the barn without the humans seeing them. I love the beautiful art style and the rich colors. Every scene has lots of little things going on in the background. The mice exchange presents and dance and play and eat and decorate their little Christmas tree, all in the background.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
9,199 reviews130 followers
August 25, 2023
This shows what happens when the old Christmas traditions get ignored. Normally a farming family will leave a bowl of buttery porridge out for the tomtes – the house's little gnome-like occupants and helpers-out. But when the human folk forget, trouble is on the cards – unless there is a way to make sure of the porridge anyway. Oh, and the butter – mustn't forget the butter…

This gentle read, on the wordier side of things where picture books are concerned, is most suitable for the season. Any more western, more modern and brasher book would show us the tomtes gleefully giving their revenge over the year, as they let things fail, fall and generally look like twelve months' bad luck for the farmers. Not here – as some of the tomtes are kind-hearted enough to make sure things don't get that far. Especially when the Christmas spirit is so universal and giving.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
4,796 reviews
January 13, 2025
I’ve wanted to read this one for a long time and am grateful to the library that was added to our system because I was finally able to request it! What a charmer this is! I love Nordic and Scandinavian Christmas traditions and am already familiar with the tomte and I loved their portrayal in this book. As has already been mentioned, I love miniature worlds and the idea that these wee folk have their rich lives going on behind the scenes of the humans’ ones. This is such a fun story and it’s beautifully illustrated with exquisite detail. So glad I could finally read it and well worth the wait!
Profile Image for Heli Künnapas.
Author 42 books104 followers
December 18, 2025
Sama autori Pettsoni lood on meie majas vanad tuttavad ja suured lemmikud nii raamatu kui multikatena. Nii teadsin raamatukogus jõululugusid valides, et Nordqvist meile sobib.

Esimesest leheküljest alates oli selge, et valik oli õige, sest lugu oli kaasahaarav, nunnu ja huvitav ühe korraga. Aitas jõuluootuse aega ilusti sisustada. Julgen kindlasti soovitada lugemiseks nii lastega, kui ka üksi.

Pikemalt kirjutan blogis siin: https://midaheliluges.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Talia Messina.
101 reviews6 followers
November 16, 2024
This has all of my favorite things: Christmas, little people, secret passageways, Christmas, folklore, fun illustrations, cozy vibes, children noticing things the adults don’t believe, Christmas, and of course TOMTES!
Profile Image for Miloo.
1,250 reviews9 followers
December 22, 2025
Här har vi en kort mysig julbok som gör att man får ett leende på sina läppar.
För vi läser den alltid så här före jul för att komma i rätt stämmning & veta att nu närmar sig den stora dagen.
Av oss så får den
5 av 5st🤶
Profile Image for Parsley.
221 reviews
December 23, 2018
I love Nordqvist's books, especially the drawings. Hidden comic gems all over the place. Keeps us busy for hours.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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