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Astrid Lindgren’s delightful tale of how the children in Noisy village prepare for and celebrate Christmas will become a family favorite. Set in Sweden in simpler times, today’s children will see how entire families prepared for the holidays with homemade decorations and gifts. Paperback.

By Inkeri Karvonen.

Little Tomte lives happily in his cosy house beside a beautiful tree. When winter arrives, he’s worried that Christmas won’t come, so he makes a special Christmas wish and embarks on a candle-making plan which will help make his wish come true. A heartwarming festive tale drawn with gentle humour by acclaimed Finnish illustrator Hannu Taina.

Hardcover.

By Jan Brett. Who’s that knocking on Christmas Eve? Is it the trolls who come every year and gobble up Kyri’s feast? Kyri is worried, but when she peeks out and sees the boy from Finnmark and his ice bear, she opens the door and welcomes them in. Once again, Jan Brett captures the spirit of Christmas in story and illustrations full of mischief and humor, set in a gorgeous land in the far north (Norway). Hardcover, ages5 & up

Sing along with Jeg er så glad, Glade jul, Musevisa, Deilig er den himmel blå, and lively Norwegian renditions of Jingle Bells and Rudolf. Lyrics and ­translations included.

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The history and traditions of Sweden’s Lucia celebration.

Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wanted to be one of Santa’s elves. So she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. From a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer, a menagerie of winter animals help Anja make her way to Santa.