An ordinary Danish Christmas turns extraordinary when a family overlooks an important folkloric tradition.
Christmas has come, and with it a sparkling white winterfrost over the countryside. But twelve-year-old Bettina's parents have been called away unexpectedly, leaving her in charge of the house, the
farm, and baby Pia. In all the confusion, Bettina's family neglects to set out the traditional bowl of Christmas rice pudding for the tiny nisse who are rumored to look after the family and their
livestock. No one besides her grandfather ever believed the nisse were real, so what harm could there be in forgetting this silly custom? But when baby Pia disappears during a nap, the magic of the
nisse makes itself known. To find her sister and set things right, Bettina must venture into the miniature world of these usually helpful, but sometimes mischievous folk. A delightful winter
adventure for lovers of the legendary and miraculous.
Editorial Reviews
Editorial Reviews
“Never neglect a nisse. Such is the hard lesson learned by young Bettina
in this novel, set in Denmark…Houts’ descriptions of the
glistening weather phenomenon of winterfrost heighten the air of wonder
in the story. The mix of fantasy, legend, and holiday tradition makes
for a heady, escapist read.” —Publishers Weekly
“Children with a fascination for all things cute and tiny will delight
in the cozy details of nisse household life, with its acorn cups and
thistledown stockings. At the same time, they will appreciate Bettina’s
struggle to cope with very adult responsibilities. A gentle holiday
adventure with a quiet message of courage and responsibility.” —School Library Journal
“A magical middle-grade tale of a human child’s encounter with nisse
folk—tiny gnomelike creatures who, legend has it, inhabit the houses,
barns, and woodlands of Denmark…A timeless story that upholds and nurtures the magical worlds of nature and childhood.” —Kirkus Reviews
Michelle Houts fell in love with the nisse folk more than twenty years ago while living in Denmark, where she became fascinated with their tales of mischief and fun. Her Danish friends
continue to share nisse stories and an occasional sighting. Michelle Houts lives in west central Ohio.
Titles by Author
Details
Details
Format:
CD
Available Formats :
CD
Category:
Fiction/Action & Adventure
Publisher:
Candlewick on Brilliance Audio
CDs:
4
Runtime:
4.73
ISBN:
9781531863227
Audience:
Children (8–12)
Language:
English
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