A Christmas Wish for Little Dala Horse - by Sonja Anderson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

With storytelling reminiscent of The Velveteen Rabbit, Anderson and Potocka work to show the Dala's journey. Vivid illustrations are full of expression, bringing to life the Dala and the Juletide traditions. This is a wonderful addition to any library and would be well suited for children of all ages. -Jessica Clark, School Library Journal

Celebrate the spirit of Juletide in this charmingly illustrated Swedish Christmas story about a little Dala horse's wish to discover the true reason for the festive season.

Little Dala Horse knows nothing of Juletide or of love--he's just been newly carved as a Christmas gift. He's eager to learn about the Saint Lucia girl with a crown of glowing candles, the festive star boys, and the cute pepparkakor children. Little Dala Horse jumps into a boy's pocket and experiences the Saint Lucia pageant for the first time. At first Little Dala is shy and hides, but when a small gingerbread girl is scared to go on stage for her dance, Little Dala finds courage to help her overcome her fear.

Along with the sweet seasonal story of the holiday tradition, this children's picture book also features:

• Tiny tomten (Scandinavian gnomes) hidden in the cozy, warm illustrations like an I Spy game for young readers
• Common Swedish words and definitions for an educational element
• The origin story of the iconic Swedish Dala Horse and the Saint Lucia Day celebration

Written by a Swedish author, this delightful yuletide tale about a newly carved Dala horse's quest to discover the heart of what makes Christmas so special will become a heartwarming family keepsake for years to come.

Review Quotes

A heartwarming story that beautifully weaves two Swedish holiday traditions: the Saint Lucia pageant and the Dala horse. With Swedish words seamlessly written into the narrative, a heartfelt author's note at the beginning and the story of the Saint Lucia pageant at the end, this book provides immersion into a holiday tradition in a way that other books lack. The story follows Little Dala, a toy horse being made by the Woodcarver for her granddaughter. Little Dala wants nothing more than to know the joy of being loved by a child, and that dream comes true when he meets a young girl who needs a bit of encouragement to participate in the Saint Lucia pageant. With a broken ear and no swishes, swirls, dots, or dabs, the toy horse finds himself being loved by her regardless. With storytelling reminiscent of The Velveteen Rabbit, Anderson and Potocka work to show the Dala's journey. Vivid illustrations are full of expression, bringing to life the Dala and the Jultide traditions. What is even more beautiful is the way that the memory of the Woodcarver's husband is kept alive in the smallest of ways, through flashback scenes, a framed photograph, his grandson. VERDICT This is a wonderful addition to any library and would be well suited for children of all ages.--Jessica Clark, School Library Journal