books for children, by elsa beskow

Elsa Beskow was born in Sweden 1874. Countless children over the years have been enchanted by her simple, direct stories, full of good humour and warmth and her illustrations with their attention for detail and their child’s eye view of the world. There is a great sense of cheerfulness and vitality in her work, and even where there is danger and unpleasantness, there is always an underlying belief that everyday life will go on as it always has.

All Elsa Beskow books are hardback with a fabric spine, giving a fine, old-fashioned feel!


The Sun Egg

product code: 85011

A mysterious orange egg has fallen into the woods. "It's a sun egg!" declares the elf who finds it nestled on the forest floor. Soon she and her friends find out what it really is, but not before the little elf goes off on one of the best adventures she has ever had. The book is very exciting and the pictures are both wonderful and mesmerizing.  Click here to look at the Forest Folk Doll inspired by this story (at the bottom of this page)

  Age range 3-5.£9.99
The Sun Egg


The Sun Egg Mini Book

product code: 85019

£4.99

Around the Year

product code: 85004

Delightful verses and delicate, playful illustrations take young children through the special joys of each month of the year, from icy February to the green shoots of April, the red poppies of July, September's apples and the delights of December.

Age range 3-6.£9.99
Around the Year


Around The Year Mini Book

product code: 85024

Age range 3-6.£4.99


Children of the Forest

product code: 85023

The children of the forest live deep in the roots of an old pine tree. They collect wild mushrooms and blueberries and shelter under toadstools when it rains. They play with the squirrels and frogs, and when autumn comes, they collect and prepare food to see them through the long winter, until the warm spring breeze starts to blow. Click here to look at the Forest Folk Dolls inspired by this story (at the bottom of this page)

Age range 4-6.£9.99
Children of the Forest


Children of the Forest Mini Book

product code: 85020

£4.99

Ollie's Ski Trip

product code: 85012

Six-year-old Ollie is given his first pair of real skis. As soon as the snow begins to fall he sets off on an adventure by himself to the palace of King Winter. A beautiful, seasonal tale suitable for 3-7 year olds. Click here to look at the Forest Folk Doll inspired by this story (at the bottom of this page)

Age range 4-6.£9.99
Ollie's Ski Trip


Ollie's Ski Trip Mini Book

product code: 85025

Age range 3-6.£4.99

Peter in Blueberry Land

product code: 85008

Peter is looking for blueberries for his mother’s birthday but he can’t find a single one. Suddenly he feels a light tap on his shoe, and a strange and magical adventure begins. First published in Sweden in 1901, Peter in Blueberry Land still maintains its original appeal. This is an enchanting story, perfect for reading aloud before bedtime. Click here to look at the Forest Folk Doll inspired by this story (at the bottom of this page)

Age range 4-6.£9.99
Peter in Blueberry Land

Peter in Blueberry Land Mini Book

product code: 85021

£4.99

Pelle's New Suit

product code: 85014

Pelle has a lamb whose coat grew longer and longer, while Pelle's Sunday suit grew shorter and shorter! Pelle shears the lamb, the wool is carded, spun, dyed and woven. Finally the tailor makes a new suit for Pelle. Click here to look at the Forest Folk Doll inspired by this story (at the bottom of this page) Age range 4-6.£9.99
Pelle's New Suit

Pelle's New Suit Mini Book

product code: 85022

£4.99


The Curious Fish

product code: 85006

(Age 3-6) When Flash, a very curious perch, is caught and held captive on dry land, his friends are determined to save him. To do so, they enlist the help of a wise old frog and a little magic. Our son’s favourite Elsa Beskow when he was little! Now available in English for the first time! 

£8.99
The Curious Fish


Emily and Daisy

product code: 85007

(Age 3-6) Emily offers to look after Daisy for the day. She meets a big dog, a boastful boy and an old man on the way. When she gets to the meadow she realises she is going to need some help. A delightful springtime book from Elsa Beskow.  

£9.99
Emily and Daisy

The Tale of the Little, Little Old Woman

product code: 85003

A little, little old woman, lived in a little, little house with a little, little cat ... A simple tale for the youngest children. Age range 3-4.£8.99
The Tale of the Little, Little Old Woman

The Flowers' Festival

product code: 85015

A lucky little girl is invited by the flower fairies to join them for their Midsummer festival. Gathering around Queen Rose, all the flowers and bumblebees and birds tell their enchanting stories, while Pea-blossom and the Dew-cups serve refreshments.

Age range 4-6.£9.99
The Flowers' Festival

Christopher's Harvest Time

product code: 85016

Christopher meets the spirit of September in the garden, and is introduced to all the harvest folk: the Gooseberry girls and boys, old man Black-Currant, the misses Plum and the proud Strawberries.

Age range 5-7.£9.99
Christopher's Harvest Time


Woody, Hazel and Little Pip

product code: 85005

This delightful autumn story describes woodland scenes when two acorn children get carried away to adventures by the blustery autumn wind.

Age range 5-8.£9.99
Woody, Hazel and Little Pip

Peter's Old House 

product code: 85017

Peter lives in a shabby old house in the village. He builds boats for the children, shows visitors around in ten different languages and is the village doctor and handyman. One day an official tells him his house must be repaired or demolished. Age range 5-8.£9.99
Peter's Old House 

Peter and Lotta's Adventure 

product code: 85018

When Peter and Lotta give away one of their kittens, they find themselves having a day full of adventures including all the excitement of the fair. But will they manage to get home safely? Age range 5-8.£9.99
Peter and Lotta's Adventure 

Forest Folk Dolls

These new figures are just so delightful we had to include them in our catalogue. The detailing and quality of materials is unsurpassed - handmade felt and boiled wool clothing, mohair hair and hand painted faces. A single figure will enhance your season table and cheer you up beyond compare. Height 12-14 cm. Note that these are not Intended as toys. Limited availability. Please order early to avoid disappointment!

The group on this page are based on the characters of the well-loved Elsa Beskow stories. Each doll is carefully made with wool felt, boiled wool, velour and mohair. The little Children of the Forest even have crocheted mushroom hats! And little Pelle comes with a ball of white wall, a roll of blue cloth, a hank of blue wool and his new suit .

We also have a further selection of these dolls on our Small Dolls page

Sun Egg Elves

£44.95 each


Ollie with Skis

product code: 21050

£44.95
Ollie with Skis

Pelle (with his new suit!)

product code: 21051

Pelle comes with a ball of white wall, a roll of blue cloth, a hank of blue wool (not shown) and his new suit (also not shown)£44.95
Pelle (with his new suit!)

Blueberry Peter

product code: 85008

£44.95
Blueberry Peter

Children of the Forest

£36.90 each


Emily and Daisy

product code: 85007

(Age 3-6) Emily offers to look after Daisy for the day. She meets a big dog, a boastful boy and an old man on the way. When she gets to the meadow she realises she is going to need some help. A delightful springtime book from Elsa Beskow. Age range 3-6.£9.99


The Curious Fish

product code: 85006

(Age 3-6) When Flash, a very curious perch, is caught and held captive on dry land, his friends are determined to save him. To do so, they enlist the help of a wise old frog and a little magic. Our son’s favourite Elsa Beskow when he was little! Now available in English for the first time!  Age range 3-6.£8.99