Scandinavian-American and Rural Humor Books

The Visit: The Origin of The Night Before Christmas   Written by Mark K. Moulton as told by Dinghy Sharp, great-great-granddaughter of
Clement Moore
Illustrations by Susan Winget

Dinghy Sharp, a direct descendant Clement Clarke Moore who created the classic poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas," relates the history of the writing of the poem as passed down through the generations in her family.

Writing in the same bouncy, anapestic meter that Moore used in the 1822 poem, Moulton takes Sharp's story and shapes it into a delightful companion work to the original poem; "I shall start out this tale with some little-known facts that have long been forgotten or slipped through the cracks." This wonderful 56-page book is accompanied by the detailed illustrations of Winget, a nationally renowned artist whose work conveys a true historical sense of time and place, and even includes a reproduction of Moore's poem in his beautiful handwriting.  Great for parents and grandparents to read to the young.  Ages 9 to 12.

 CH - 29   Hardcover (padded)     $14.95

While the fiddling, Northern Lights, ice skating, dancing and the artwork in this book are reminiscent of stories about Northern Norway and about immigrant life in the northern states, this pleasant tale takes place in Quebec.

And like grandfathers world-over, the grandfather in this book has many magical stories to tell, and young Henry is not sure which of Grandfather Pepin's stories are true and which are make-believe. However, it doesn't matter a lot to Henry and the grandfather-grandson bond is strong. Beautiful illustrations and the sense of mystery and wonder created by the story easily capture the attention of youngsters.  For ages 5 to 10;  32 pages.

 CH - 30   Hardcover      $16.99

This new release is a rather massive publication (507 pages) which will
provide nightly reading throughout the winter for those ages 12 and older. 

Several centuries ago in the rural parts of Norway there was a superstitious belief that children would inherit the qualities of the direction in which they were born. East is about Rose, the youngest of eight, who was a North-born baby. Legend held that North-born babies, although intelligent, would be wild and adventurous and bound to break their mothers' hearts. 

This new publication is roughly based on the old Norwegian fairy tale East of
the Sun and West of the Moon which was one of the many folk tales Asbjørnsen and Moe (often
called the Brothers Grimm of Scandinavia) committed to writing in the late 1800s to preserve the
rich oral tradition of Norway. This same original tale in Sweden is called Prince Hat under the Ground, and variations of the same themes —beasts, bears, brave daughters, greedy fathers, trolls, castles and poison — are found in the folk tales of many countries throughout the world.

Pattou has written a compelling novel based on old themes that has been called a page-turner,
"a worthy retelling" of this folk tale, "compelling" and a book that "really stands out."  It has received seven national book awards including several from the American Library Association.

CH - 31   Paperback      $8.95

Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett

Now affordable as a paperback, this book is worth every penny just for the colorful and magical artwork by popular children's author and illustrator, Jan Brett.

As Treva and her family prepare for Christmas, their favorite decorations and the Christmas pudding disappear. Eventually Treva finds the culprits—two trolls who think they can steal Christmas. She shows these irresistible trolls how to truly have Christmas. Little children will learn about sharing and giving, and all readers will be enchanted -- once more -- by the Scandinavian folk details in Brett's bright, crisply defined art. Pay attention to the page borders where the trolls' charming pet hedgehogs are busy with their own Christmas activities.

CH - 26   Paperback    $6.99

Hans Brinker    as retold by Bruce Coville;  Illustrations by Laurel Long

Hans Brinker, sometimes titled 'The Silver Skates,' is a novel by Mary Mapes 
Dodge written in 1865 about Hans and Gretel Brinker, two very poor children in Holland. The book was a classic in American schools for generations, but has been neglected of late.  Coville and Long decided that the story had a lot to offer today's youth, but that it could be done in a simpler form with Long's luminous paintings to illustrate the historical and  geographical content. 

Along with maintaining the theme of a family struggling against great odds, 
it was Colville's intention to also introduce today's young readers to the good character of Hans.  As Colville writes, "In our cynical age the boy seems almost too good to be true. But the fact is that the hearts of children yearn for such goodness, yearn for role models." Colville feels that Brinker's story and character serve this need for today's young people. 

This 40-page book, geared to readers ages 9 to 12, is a precious look at a time long gone, but one 
that offers hope for the current and future generations. It remains a classic.

CH - 32 Hardcover      $16.99

Immigration and Pioneer Stories

Who Were the Vikings?    by Jane Chisholm and Struan Reid

A 32-page, fact-filled paperback with colorful sketches of the Viking life including homes, dress, ships, gods, games and alphabet. The facts are made more interesting with the addition of specific addresses to Usborne Web links that lead the reader to even more information, pictures, puzzles and games. Written for children and frequently used by adults.

V2 - 01     Paperback     $4.95

Vikings: The Book and CD That Work Together  by Interfact

Can you write in "runes"? Have you explored a Viking village? Have you ever played Viking games? This Interfact set gives you a chance to do these things and more, and it's a great way to learn. The CD ROM has 15 hours of activities, games and on-screen adventures and runs on both PCs with Windows and Apple Macintosh. The book is loaded with more fascinating information and highlighted with lots of full-color illustrations and photos.
For ages 7-12.
V2 - 02 $14.95

The Viking Explorers  by Jim Gallagher

A well-written, easy-to-read history of the explorations and discoveries of the Vikings from the 8th to 13th centuries supplemented with full-color illustrations and paintings, maps, index, a clear timeline and list of other references. This book is part of the Explorers of New Worlds series.
For ages 8-13, or grades 4-8. 

V2 - 03    $8.95

Vikings: My World  by Peter Chrisp

Thora, a girl living in Orkney off the coast of Scotland in the year 942, invites the reader to explore her world through crafts, activities, stories, and historical facts. Directions for activities such as making jewelry, an antler comb or a Viking ball make this book great for class projects or at-home pretending. Photographs of Thora and her brother, Erik, and their friend, Deirdre, in costume help bring the past alive and make learning history very interesting. For ages 7-10.

V2 - 04 Hardcover $14.95