Book cover of The Tomten and the Fox

Book description

It's a cold winter's night and a hungry fox is creeping through the snow.

He sees a hen house full of tasty chickens to eat -- but he's forgotten about the old tomten who guards the farm

This is a classic story of a mischievous fox, a wise, kindly tomten…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Tomten and the Fox as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

First published in 1966, I love this classic for its quiet invitation into a rural Swedish farmhouse and the family’s preparations for Christmas.

When the children go to bed in their cozy home, the snowy farm outside is being protected by a red-capped, long-bearded tomte (Swedish gnome). Even in a loud world, this quiet book captures a child’s attention as we watch the tomte share his annual gift of Christmas porridge with a hungry fox, thus saving the day for the chickens in the chicken house.

While the book is only subtly a Christmas story, its message of generosity and…

From Sonja's list on Scandinavian Christmas picture books.

If you love The Tomten and the Fox...

Book cover of The Real Boys of the Civil War

The Real Boys of the Civil War by J. Arthur Moore,

The Real Boys of the Civil War is a research about the real boys who served during the war, opening with a historiography research paper about their history along with its 7-page source document. It then evolves into a series of collections of their stories by topic, concluding with a…

Want books like The Tomten and the Fox?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Tomten and the Fox.

Browse books like The Tomten and the Fox

Book cover of Annika's Secret Wish
Book cover of Lucia Morning in Sweden
Book cover of The Christmas Wish

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,299

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Tomten and the Fox, you might also like...

Floretta by Joan Budilovsky,

Book cover of Floretta

Floretta- the story of an old woman who discovers life beautifully anew thru the helping hands of a child. The chakra colors of dawn and twilight are woven through the pages as the cycle of life is magically composed. The subject of “heaven,” has the potential to open discussions with…

In the Dragon's Fiery Lair by Ada Konewki,

Book cover of In the Dragon's Fiery Lair

A hidden curse. A thoughtful daredevil. Is this youngster’s accidental plunge into the fantastical about to unlock a wonderful surprise?

Amy is eager for excitement. On the brink of turning twelve and discovering if she’s inherited her late dad’s magic, the hard-working girl can barely wait to take a trip…

5 book lists we think you will like!