"En jul i Småland för länge sen" - Astrid Lindgren, Cecilia Heikkilä

"En jul i Småland för länge sen" – experience Christmas with Astrid Lindgren!

"Julafton är en konstig dag, tycker jag. Man bara går och väntar hela dan. Gunnar och jag smög oss in i salen och klämde på paketen i klädkorgen, där alla julklapparna låg."

Now you will read about Christmas in 1913, when Astrid Lindgren was only six years old. It is the story of how Astrid had to go with her father into the forest to cut down a Christmas tree. The snow reached up to their knees, and it was difficult to walk along the dark, narrow forest path. But the tree was so beautiful, and it became even more beautiful the next day when she, her father, and Gunnar decorated it together.

It is also the story of how the farmhouse in Småland was transformed overnight into the most beautiful Christmas home imaginable, and about how Astrid received a “blessing” as a Christmas present. “A blessed thing is when you have something so wonderful that it makes you feel blessed.”

You will also read about the joyful Christmas party at her grandmother’s house with all the cousins, where the fun never seemed to end, and about the magical journey home when the stars were shining, the horses ran through the snow, and Astrid lay in the sleigh.

Astrid Lindgren recounts one of the Christmas celebrations from her childhood, sharing the magical atmosphere, anticipation, and joy she experienced.

Browse the book:

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 Original language version

 Level B1/B2

 The text was previously published in the anthology "En jul när jag var liten" (Rabén & Sjögren, 1992). It has now been published for the first time as a picture book with illustrations by Cecilia Heikkilä.

Why is it worth reading this book in Swedish?

• You will travel into the magical world of Astrid Lindgren’s childhood.

• This is the original Swedish edition.

• The book contains beautiful original illustrations by Cecilia Heikkilä.

• A perfect gift idea.

• A wonderful read for children who speak Swedish.

Astrid Anna Emilia Lindgren was an iconic Swedish author of children’s literature. Her literary output includes more than 20 novels and short story collections for children, as well as plays and radio dramas. Her books have been translated into 72 languages.

Astrid Lindgren’s works are characterized by openness, honesty, and deep respect for children. Her writing is not moralizing; instead, it reflects a genuine child’s perspective. She portrays a happy childhood filled with play, freedom, and independence, while also addressing difficult themes such as illness and death, showing her remarkable respect and understanding for young readers.

Cecilia Heikkilä is a Swedish illustrator and author of children’s books.

In Poland, in 2020, a book illustrated by Cecilia titled “Jak ratowaliśmy Wigilię” by Ellen Karlsson was published.