Happy Wednesday everyone! 

Does anyone out there know what a Tomten is?  You will need to know that for this story.

 

The tomte, nisse or tomtenisse (Sweden) (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈtɔ̀mːtɛ]), nisse (Norway and Denmark) (pronounced [ˈnìsːɛ]) or tonttu (Finland) is a mythological creature from Scandinavian folklore typically associated with the winter solstice and the Christmas season. It is no taller than three feet, and has a long white beard and colorful clothes. ^[1] It is known as a gift bearer ^[2] and considered the Swedish version of Father Christmas.

Be sure to explain the Tomten to the children before you read the story.

 

 

Hedgie's Surprise

by

Jan Brett

 

This story is about how Hedgie helps Henny keep some of her eggs instead of the Tomten stealing them every morning to make his breakfast.  Henny sees Goosey Goosey with several baby ducks and Henny wants some baby chicks of her own so she asks Hedgie to help her trick the Tomten.  Every morning when the roster crows the Tomten comes to steal Henny's eggs but each morning Hedgie finds something else to put in Henny's nest instead of  her egg. Hedgie puts an acorn, a strawberry, a mushroom, and a potato.  The last morning Hedgie plans a special surprise for the Tomten.  Ask the child or children to predict what Hedgie will do to save Henny's eggs.  This is a really cute book and shares how friends help each other.  Read the book tonight to a sweet child and find out what Hedgie's Surprise is.  Children will love it and Hedgie.

 

 

A Swedish Tomten

 

Also, check the book I shared on Monday, Teaching with Favorite Jan Brett Books by Scholastic.  The book has some activities to do with this story too.

See you Friday with another Jan Brett book.