The Tomten and the Fox by Astrid Lindgren

A Quiet Winter Tale of Kindness and Care

In The Tomten and the Fox, Astrid Lindgren continues the gentle nighttime world first introduced in The Tomten. On a snowy winter evening, a hungry fox slips quietly toward the farm, searching for food. The animals sense danger, but the small, watchful Tomten is already awake beneath the stars.

Rather than chase the fox away, the Tomten finds another way — offering a simple meal that keeps both the animals and the fox safe. In the stillness of the winter night, compassion replaces conflict, and balance is restored.

Lindgren’s spare, poetic text pairs beautifully with Harald Wiberg’s softly detailed illustrations, which capture the hush of snow-covered barns, starlit fields, and sleeping animals. The story unfolds gently, inviting children to listen closely and linger in the quiet rhythm of a Scandinavian winter.

A beloved Nordic tale of watchfulness, mercy, and the unseen helpers who guard the farm while the world sleeps.

Book Details

Title: The Tomten and the Fox
Author: Astrid Lindgren
Illustrator: Harald Wiberg
Publisher: Puffin Books
Format: Softcover
Pages: 32
Recommended Age: 4–8 years

Continue the Winter Tales

If you love the quiet, snow-covered world of The Tomten and the Fox, you may also enjoy The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren — the classic story of the small guardian who watches over the farm while everyone sleeps.

Or, for another beautifully illustrated winter favorite, explore Whose Footprints Are These? by Gerda Muller — a wordless snowy mystery full of careful observation.