Illustrations for Lindgren's fairy tale by little Nils Carlson. All books about: “illustrations for the fairy tale baby.... Not a fairy tale about white geese Tamara Likhotal

This is the collection of Lindgren’s books that I am gradually forming. In my opinion, Lindgren's books are a must in any children's library.
Plus another addition to the collection - “Little Nils Carlson” - a book that I have wanted for a long time, but did not dare to buy from the AST publication, but now I bought it.
To be honest, for some time the reviews that there were few illustrations kept me from buying this book. But, as it turned out, this is not so. Of course, the book is not replete with pictures, like the Astov edition, but the illustrations come steadily across the spread: a spread without illustrations - a spread with them. And sometimes there are several spreads with pictures in a row, but there is no such thing as 2 spreads without pictures in a row. And this makes me very happy, since these fairy tales are still for children of a younger age than Roni or Emil.
Kostina’s illustrations have become “twilight” for me - fabulous twilight comes to life in every picture and it seems that in the evening, as soon as the sun begins to set and the lanterns come on, real miracles happen: baby Nils runs out of his hole, a Mirabelle doll grows from a grain, they can knock Peter and Petra, the robbers, are trying to break into the dollhouse, and a wonderful country opens its arms to those who believe in it and know how to dream. I would say that this book of fairy tales is a book that makes you want to live and believe in miracles. Despite the fact that the heroes of fairy tales here are sometimes lonely (“Little Nils Carlson”, sometimes sick (“In the Land Between Light and Darkness”), these fairy tales are full of faith in the bright, wonderful - in the world of childhood. Astrid Lindgren believes in her little readers , in their future, believes in their children's world, and this faith cannot pass without a trace.
Unlike all the Lindgren books I listed at the beginning of the post, here the heroes of fairy tales are not mischievous people and pranksters, but ordinary boys and girls, mostly obedient. Well, the children-heroes will be younger in age, just like their readers :)
The publication is excellent: hard cover, coated paper, book format is closer to A4, a compact little book, just the way I like it. Smells delicious:Z

A story from the collection “There are no robbers in the forest.” Publisher: Family and School magazine. Translation from Swedish by I. Novitskaya. Illustrations by Elon Wikland. In all Lindgren's books there is a special atmosphere: fantasy, games, spiritual freedom and justice - an atmosphere especially desirable for children's minds and hearts. This amazing atmosphere - a kind of trademark of the writer - also reigns in the works collected in the book that you are holding in your hands. These are early and, as a rule, little known or unknown works by Astrid Lindgren, to...

Tales of Imperfect Time (without illustrations) Sergei Sedov

The inexhaustible storyteller Sergei Sedov and the tireless artist Leonid Tishkov, to the delight of fans of "Fairy Tales?" jointly created a new book - “Tales of an Imperfect Time”. Continuing the glorious tradition of epics about Lesha, about love, about the frog Pipa, as well as about fools and kings, Sergei Sedov popularly explains to us, his readers, what an interesting time we happen to live in, and also why and by whom this time is remarkable. The artist Leonid Tishkov outlines the features of this very time with a cascade of unique illustrations.

"Go ahead, Kitten!" and others... Fairy tales for the theater... Andrey Zinchuk

And books have destinies. This book was prepared for printing in the late eighties - early nineties by the Borey publishing house (now it no longer exists) and illustrated by two wonderful artists - at that time students of the Academy of Arts - Olya Shklyaruk and Albert Nizamutdinov. But its “publication” (the professional term of printers, the inscription on the title of a book with the signature of the person responsible for publication) did not take place at that time. And then there was simply no money for it. As, however, not now. Therefore, a ready-made layout of fairy tales for...

The Snow Queen (with illustrations) Hans Christian Andersen

This fairy tale with such a cold name has been warming millions of children's hearts all over the world for almost 200 years. Its author is the brilliant Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875). The book was illustrated by the famous Ukrainian master of book graphics Vladislav ERKO, winner of a number of prestigious art and book exhibitions, holder of the title “Man of the Book” as the best artist of 2002 according to the Moscow Book Review. His illustrations for the book by Paulo Coelho and Andersen’s “The Snow Queen”, which...

Tales of Uncle Remus (Illustrated by M. Volkova) Joel Harris

FROM THE PUBLISHER This is a collection of fairy tales by the famous American writer Joel Harris. All his life he collected Negro fairy tales and songs, processed them, composed something of his own, and the result was brilliant. The stories told by the old black man Uncle Remus were loved by all Americans, and Brother Rabbit, the main character of all the stories, became the most beloved hero. He is not at all like his closest relatives - the kind and harmless bunnies from Russian fairy tales. A rogue, a sly, a prankster - that’s what he is! This rabbit is not at all like a cute little animal...

The Little Ghost (with illustrations) Otfried Preusler

Oh, what a little Ghost! Do you know why children who read the fairy tales of the German writer Otfried Preussler are never afraid of anything? Yes, this is because scary, scary old hedgehogs, mermen and ghosts live only in fairy tale books! And reading them is fun and interesting. “The Little Ghost” is one of the best fairy tales for children by the famous German writer Otfried Preussler. For preschool and primary school age. Illustrations by L.A. Tokmakova

Through the magic ring. British legends… Undefined Undefined

This collection introduces the reader to the treasures of folklore of the British Isles - Irish, Welsh, Scottish and English legends and fairy tales. Translation and compilation by N.V. Shereshevskaya. Illustrations by Liya Orlova, Alena Anikst, Nadezhda Bronzova.

Fairy tales and legends by Rudyard Kipling

With illustrations by the author. In "Tales and Legends" the reader is presented with a paradoxical world of Kipling's fantasies that excite the imagination. Contents: Why does a whale eat only small fish How a hump appeared on the back of a camel How folds appeared on the skin of a rhinoceros How a leopard became spotted Elephant child The request of an old kangaroo How armadillos appeared How the first letter was written How the first alphabet was composed The sea crab that played with the sea The cat who walked wherever he wanted The moth who stamped his foot

Korean folk tales

Korean folk tales reflect the life and customs of the Korean people, their desire to live in peace, harmony and happiness, teach kindness, wisdom, and hard work. Cruelty, greed, laziness and other human shortcomings are wittily ridiculed. Editor O. D. Bezgin. Illustrations by Nikolai and Elena Bazegsky.

The most beautiful fairy tales of Hans Andersen

The book by the Danish storyteller includes his most famous fairy tales: “Flint”, “Thumbelina”, “The King’s New Clothes”, “The Swineherd”, “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Snow Queen”. Translator Anna Ganzen. Wonderful illustrations by artist Vyacheslav Smirnov.

Fairy tales for the little ones Samuel Marshak

Fairy tales in verse for the little ones: “The Ryaba Hen and Ten Ducklings”, “The Tale of a Stupid Mouse”, “The Tale of a Smart Mouse”, “A Quiet Tale”, equipped with colorful illustrations. Artists V. Kanevsky, A. Eliseev, A. Savchenko, M. Bondarenko

Fairy tales. Hans Andersen stories

Fairy tales and stories of the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, published in the “Library of World Literature” series, series two, by the publishing house “Khudozhestvennaya Literatura”. Introductory article by K. Paustovsky. Compilation and notes by L. Braude. Illustrations by V. Pivovarov.

Albanian folk tales Author unknown - Epics, myths, legends and tales

The collection includes fairy tales created by the Albanian people over many centuries, distinguished by great artistic originality, expressiveness, and richness in action, which puts them on a par with the legends and fairy tales of the southern Slavs and other Balkan peoples. Compiled, foreword, notes - Tatyana Fedorovna Serkova. Illustrations - G. Klodt.

The book includes fairy tales written by popular Swedish authors more than a century ago, which are still loved by readers. The original illustrations by Sweden's main fairytale artist, Jon Bauer, add a special charm. Thanks to the combination of the talent of the storytellers and the amazing skill of the artist, these tales have gained truly worldwide fame. Scandinavian legends and tales, brought to life by Bauer's brush, are woven into a magical tale of mountain trolls, forest witches, enchanted princesses and brave princes, creating a unique...

Oorfene Deuce and his wooden soldiers (with illustrations) Aleksandr Volkov

The fairy tale “Oorfene Deuce and his wooden soldiers” is a continuation of A. Volkov’s fairy tale “The Wizard of the Emerald City”. It tells how the evil carpenter Oorfene Deuce made wooden soldiers and conquered the Magic Land. Ellie and her uncle, sailor Charlie Black, rushed to the rescue of its inhabitants.

A story from the collection “There are no robbers in the forest.” Publisher: Family and School magazine. Translation from Swedish by I. Novitskaya. Illustrations by Elon Wikland. In all Lindgren's books there is a special atmosphere: fantasy, games, spiritual freedom and justice - an atmosphere especially desirable for children's minds and hearts. This amazing atmosphere - a kind of trademark of the writer - also reigns in the works collected in the book that you are holding in your hands. These are early and, as a rule, little known or unknown works by Astrid Lindgren, to...

The Adventures of Maya the Bee Waldemar Bonzels

The German writer Waldemar Bonzels spoke about the amazing adventures of Maya the bee, funny and dangerous, about her friends who helped her in trouble, about how Maya saved her people. Artist Ruben Varshamov drew pictures for the fairy tale, in which he presented very expressive portraits of its characters. They are depicted not exactly the same as in the beloved cartoon “Maya the Bee,” and after reading this book, you yourself will be able to judge who was better able to convey the characters of its characters.

Tales of Korney Chukovsky in pictures by V. Suteev Korney Chukovsky

Who doesn’t know Moidodyr, who doesn’t love Moidodyr? Only unclean chimney sweeps and grimy ones got dirty. And who does Moidodyr love and praise? Of course, you and everyone who respects washcloths and soap, who loves to splash, swim, dive, and tumble! Our book contains all your favorite fairy tales by K. Chukovsky, all your favorite pictures by V. Suteev for these fairy tales. Read “Moidodyra”, “Aibolit”, “Cockroach”, “Fedorino’s grief” and “Crocodile”.

Fairy tales Evgeny Zamyatin

The collection includes works: Fairy tales 1914–1917 God Pyotr Petrovich Sexton Angel Dormidon Electricity Pictures Rubbish boy Cherubs Fairy tales for big children 1917–1920 Ivan Khryapalo Araps Chaldeans Church of God Byaka and Kaka Fire Thursday A The first tale about Fita The second tale about Fita The third tale about Fitu The last tale about Fitu

Little Dorrit. Book One Charles Dickens

"Little Dorrit" is a book no less fascinating and deep than Dickens's most famous novels. A work in which the “sensitive” and almost sentimental story of a poor young girl becomes an elegant frame for a multi-faceted classic action-packed “novel of secrets”.

Tales of Wilhelm Hauff

This collection of the German romantic writer Wilhelm Hauff (1802–1827) consists of three cycles of his most popular fairy tales: “The Caravan”, “The Sheikh of Alexandria and His Slaves”, “The Tavern in Spessart”. They included fairy tales “The Tale of Little Flour”, “Dwarf Nose”, “The Story of Almansor”, etc. In addition, the book includes a philosophical short story-fairy tale “Phantasmagories in the Bremen wine cellar”. The book is intended for family reading.

Escape from a fairy tale by Yulia Nabokova

When gray everyday life suddenly turns into enchanting adventures, and life turns into a fairy tale, do not rush to rejoice. It is quite possible that after a couple of days you will want to escape from it. But getting out of a fairy tale is much more difficult than getting into it. And knowledge gleaned from books turns out to be completely useless. You have to rely only on your own strength and show miracles of intelligence. Hold a dance master class for mermaids? No problem! Promote the products of a crazy herbalist? Easily! Be the anti-Cinderella? Warn…

Tales and tales Boris Shergin

In the works of Boris Shergin and Stepan Pisakhov, created on the basis of ancient folklore tradition, the reader will find pictures of the life and morals of the inhabitants of the Northern Territory - the Pomors. These are ancient legends and true stories - stories about true events, and fairy tales sparkling with sparkling imagination.

Fairy tales just in case Evgeniy Klyuev

Evgeny Klyuev is one of the most extraordinary Russian-speaking writers of today, the author of sensational novels. But this book represents a special facet of his talent and is intended for both adults and children. Evgeny Klyuev, like Hans Christian Andersen, lives in Denmark and writes wonderful fairy tales. They are full of poetry and goodness. Their meaning is clear to a child, but the subtle allegory disturbs a mature mind. All tales collected in this book are published for the first time.

The glutton king. Turkmen folk tales Turkmen Fairy Tale

Fairy tales of the Turkmen people are rightfully very popular among readers of any age and have successfully undergone reprints. This collection includes such interesting tales as “The Glutton King”, “Two Mergens”, “Mamed”, “The Smart Old Man”, etc. For primary school age The Glutton King Three Bulls The Language of Animals The Tale of the Fox Dzhugara Bread Two Mergens Mamed Smart old man Don't set fire - you'll burn yourself, don't dig a hole - you'll please yourself Widow's son

Fairy Tales for Couples Stella Duffy

Once upon a time there lived in the city of London a fairy-tale princess, and she hated love... And the princess was smart, and pretty, and the court fairies did not deprive her of various virtues, in a word - perfection itself, if... If not for a small flaw - They forgot to invest the heart of the royal Kushle. That's why she can't stand couples in love. For the perfect Kushla, “eternal love is akin to an obscene myth.” The princess decides to have fun with the lovers, and simply - to destroy the strongest, most reliable couples that can only be found on the streets of London. And weapons...

Bertil looked out the window. It was beginning to get dark, it was cold, foggy and uncomfortable outside.

Bertil was waiting for dad and mom. He waited for them so impatiently that it was simply surprising why they did not appear at that street lamp just from his anticipation. It was usually near this lantern that Bertil noticed them first. Mom came a little earlier than dad. But it is clear that none of them could return before work at the factory ended.

Dad and Mom went to the factory every day, and Bertil sat at home alone all day. Mom left food for him so he could have a snack when he got hungry. Then, when mom returned, they sat down to dinner.

It was terribly boring to walk around the apartment alone all day long, with no one to say a word to. Of course, Bertil could have gone out into the yard to play, but now, in the fall, the weather was bad and none of the children were visible on the street.

Oh, how slowly time passed! He was tired of toys a long time ago. Yes, there weren’t that many of them. He looked through the books that were in the house from cover to cover. Six-year-old Bertil did not yet know how to read.

The room was cold. Dad lit the stove in the mornings, but by lunchtime almost all the heat was gone. Bertil was freezing. The darkness thickened in the corners, but he did not even think of turning on the light. It was so terribly sad that he decided to lie down in bed and think a little about how sad everything in the world is.

But he didn’t always have to sit alone. He used to have a sister, and her name was Martha. But one day Marta returned from school sick. She was sick for a whole week and then died. And when Bertil thought that he was now completely alone, tears rolled down his cheeks.

And just at that moment he heard...

He heard small, mincing steps under the bed. “Are there really ghosts here?” thought Bertil and leaned over the edge of the bed to look.

And then he saw that someone was standing under the bed... yes... This “someone” was exactly an ordinary little boy. Only this boy was just a baby, no bigger than his little finger.

Hello! said the baby.

Hello! Bertil said a little embarrassed.

Hello! Hello! the kid said again.

Then they were both silent for a while.

Who are you? asked Bertil at last. And what are you doing under my bed?

My name is Little Nils Carlson, the little one answered, I live here. Well, of course, not right under your bed, but on the floor below. You can see me in that corner over there!

And he pointed to the rat hole under Bertil's bed.

How long have you been living here? asked Bertil in surprise.

No, just a few days, the little one answered. Before that, I lived in the Liljanskogen forest under the roots of a tree. But you know, by the fall you get tired of living in a campsite and want to go back to the city. I was very lucky that I managed to rent a room from a rat who moved in with his sister in Södertälje. You know how difficult it is to find a small apartment.

Yes, Bertil heard about this more than once.

Do you have it? asked Bertil.

The fact of the matter is that no, the kid answered sadly. He suddenly shrank. Brrrr, how cold it is down there! But you, at the top, are no better.

Yes, it’s true, Bertil agreed, I’m also cold as a dog.

There is a stove in my room, the kid continued to explain. But there is no firewood. Firewood is so expensive these days!

He wrapped his arms around himself to keep warm. Then he looked at Bertil with large, clear eyes.

What do you do all day? he asked.

Nothing special! answered Bertil. To be honest, I just don't do anything!

Just like me... said Tiny. It's boring to live alone, isn't it?

How boring, Bertil said.

Do you want to come downstairs with me for a minute? suggested the kid.

Bertil laughed.

Do you think I can fit into this hole?

It's as easy as shelling pears, Tiny explained. All you have to do is click on the nail, which is next to the mink, and then say:

Turn around as a baby!

And you will become as small as me:

Is it true? Bertil was delighted. Will I be able to get big again before Mom and Dad get home?

Of course, you can do it, Tiny reassured him. To do this, you will press the nail again and say again:

Snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips!

Turn into a boy!

Well, there you go! Bertil was surprised. Can you become as big as me?

Alas! “I can’t do this,” Tiny sighed. Still, it would be nice for you to come down to me at least for a while.

Come on! Bertil agreed.

He crawled under the bed, pressed the nail with his index finger and said:

Snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips!

Turn around as a baby!

Indeed! A moment and he stands in front of the rat hole, as small as Tiny.

Actually everyone calls me Nisse! The little man introduced himself once again and extended his hand to Bertil. Come downstairs with me!

Bertil realized that something fascinating and outlandish was happening to him. He was simply burning with curiosity, he was so impatient to quickly go down into the dark hole.

Go down carefully! warned Nisse, the railings are broken in one place.

Bertil walked carefully down the small stone staircase. Just think, he didn't even know there were stairs here! It ended in front of a locked door.

Wait, I’ll turn on the light, Nisse said and turned the switch.

A business card was attached to the door; on it was written in neat letters:

"Little Nils Carlson"

Nisse opened the door and turned another switch. Bertil entered the room.

It’s not very cozy here, Nisse apologized.

Bertil looked around. The room was small, cold, with one window and a tiled stove painted blue.

Yes, it can be better, he agreed. Where do you sleep at night?

On the floor, Nisse answered.

You're so cold! Brrrr... Bertil shuddered in horror.

You ask! It's still so cold! You can be sure. It’s so cold that you have to jump up and run around the room every now and then so as not to freeze at all!

Bertil felt terribly sorry for the baby. At least he himself didn’t have to freeze at night.

And then Bertil came up with a good idea.

How stupid I am! he said. I can get some firewood for you!

Nisse quickly grabbed his hand.

Do you think you can do it? he asked briskly.

Nothing! If only you managed to get firewood, then I can light it.

Bertil ran up the stairs and pressed the nail... but forgot what to say.

What words need to be said? he shouted down to the baby.

Hmm, snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips! Turn into a boy! answered Nissa.

Hmm, snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips! Turn into a boy! Bertil repeated the carnation.

But nothing worked out.

Ugh, all you have to say is “Snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips! Turn into a boy!” Nisse shouted from below.

Just snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips! Turn into a boy! repeated Bertil.

But again nothing happened.

Oh oh! Nisse shouted again. You don’t need to say anything other than “Snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips! Turn into a little boy!”

And then Bertil finally understood what needed to be said. He said:

Snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips!

Turn into a boy!

And he became the old Bertil again. Everything happened so quickly that he even hit his head on his bed.

Bertil quickly crawled out from under the bed and crawled to the kitchen stove. There was a whole pile of burnt matches lying there. He broke them into tiny slivers and placed them near the rat hole. Then he became small again and shouted:

Nisse, help me move the wood downstairs!

After all, now, when he was little, he was not able to drag all these matches alone. Nisse came skipping, and with difficulty, helping each other, they dragged the firewood down the stairs and piled it in the room by the stove.

Nisse actually jumped for joy.

This kind of firewood is the best in the world! Yes, yes, the best in the world!

He filled the stove full of firewood, and neatly stacked what was left side by side in the corner.

You'll see now, he said.

Nisse squatted down in front of the stove and blew on the wood:

The firewood crackled and caught fire!

What a miracle! Bertil was delighted. And no matches are needed.

Yes, he said to Nissa. What a wonderful fire. I haven't felt so warm since summer.

They both sat down on the floor in front of the blazing fire and extended their hands, blue from the cold, to the life-giving warmth.

And how much wood is still left! said a pleased Nisse.

And when they run out, I’ll get more, Bertil promised. He was pleased too.

“I won’t freeze tonight,” Nissa rejoiced.

What are you eating? asked Bertil a little later.

Nisse blushed.

Yes, a little of everything, he answered uncertainly. Whatever you can get.

Well, what did you eat today? asked Bertil.

Today, I... handed it to Nissa. Today, I don't think I ate anything.

But then you'll be starving to death! exclaimed Bertil.

Yes, after a little hesitation, Nisse answered. I was terribly hungry.

Why didn’t you say so right away, hat? I'll bring it now.

Nisse almost choked with joy.

If you actually get me something to eat, I will never forget it!

Bertil was already climbing the stairs. He said quickly:

Snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips!

Turn into a boy!

He quickly, quickly rushed to the pantry, took a very small slice of cheese and a very small, very small slice of bread. Then he buttered the bread, put a cutlet and two raisins on top. He put all this next to the rat hole. Then he became small again and shouted:

Nisse, help me carry the food downstairs!

But he shouted in vain, because Nisse was already standing next to him and waiting.

They carried all the supplies downstairs. Nisse's eyes shone like stars. Bertil felt that he was also hungry.

Let's start with the cutlet! he suggested.

The cutlet was no smaller than Nissa's head. They started eating it from both sides to see who could get to the middle faster. The first was Nisse.

Then they started eating bread and cheese. The very small slice of bread now turned out to be big, like a huge loaf.

And Nisse decided to hide the cheese.

You see, I have to pay the rat every month with a rind of cheese. Otherwise I'll just be thrown out of here.

We will sort this out, Bertil reassured him. Eat cheese.

And they ate the cheese, and then began to feast on the raisins. But Nisse said that he would hide half of his zest for tomorrow.

When I wake up, I will have something to chew, he explained. I'm thinking of lying down near the stove, it's warmer there.

Then Bertil shouts:

Invented! Great idea!

Vips! And he disappeared. He was gone for quite a long time. Suddenly Nisse heard him shout:

Come here, help me lower the bed!

Nisse rushed upstairs. Bertil stood there with the cutest white crib in the world. He took it from his sister Martha's old doll closet. Actually, there was a tiny doll lying there, but Nissa needed the crib more.

I grabbed a sheet for you and a piece of green flannel that my mother bought me for new pajamas. You will cover yourself with flannel instead of a blanket.

ABOUT! Nisse said. ABOUT! was all he said.

He couldn't say anything else.

“I also took the doll’s nightgown with me,” Bertil added. You don't mind sleeping in a doll's nightgown, do you?

Of course not, Nisse replied.

You know, girls have so many different clothes, Bertil said, as if apologizing.

But it’s warm in such a shirt, Nisse objected to him and stroked the doll’s nightgown with his hand. I've never slept in a real bed before, he said, and I just want to go and lie down right away.

Let's go to bed, Bertil agreed. I have to go upstairs anyway. Just look, mom and dad will come.

Nisse quickly took off his clothes, put on a doll's nightgown, jumped into bed, wrapped himself in a sheet and pulled a flannel blanket over himself.

ABOUT! he repeated. I'm completely full. And I feel very warm. And I really want to sleep.

Hello then! said Bertil. I'll be back in the morning.

But Nisse didn’t hear anything anymore. He slept.

The next day Bertil couldn’t wait for mom and dad to leave. Why are they digging there! Usually Bertil said goodbye to them in the hallway with a sad look. But today everything was different. Before the door in the hallway slammed behind them, he crawled under the bed and went down to Nissa.

Nisse had already gotten up and lit the stove.

Is it okay that I burn wood? he asked Bertil.

Of course, it’s okay, you can drown as much as you want,” Bertil answered. And he looked around the room.

You know, we need to clean up here, he suggested.

Yes, it won’t hurt, Nisse agreed. The floor is so dirty it looks like it has never been washed.

Bertil was already climbing the stairs. A floor brush and a washbasin are what he needs! In the kitchen, on the table for washing dishes, there was an old, worn-out toothbrush. Bertil took it and broke off the handle. Then he looked into the cupboard. There was a very small cup, and my mother served jelly in it. Bertil poured warm water from a saucepan into a cup and put a piece of soap in it. Then he tore off a small corner from a rag that was lying in the closet. He put all this, as usual, near the rat hole. Nyssa had to help him get it all down again.

What a huge brush! Nissa was surprised.

It will be of great use to you, said Bertil.

And they began to wash the floor. Bertil washed, and Nisse wiped the floor with a rag. The water in the cup turned completely black. But the floor soon became almost clean.

Sit here, near the stairs, Bertil invited. A surprise awaits you. Close eyes! Don't look!

Nisse closed his eyes. He heard Bertil making noise and dragging something upstairs in his apartment.

Now open your eyes! suggested Bertil.

Nisse did just that. And I saw no more, no less: a table, a corner cabinet, two very beautiful armchairs and two wooden benches.

I have never seen anything like this in the world! Nisse shouted. You sure can do magic!

Bertil, of course, did not know how to cast magic. He took all this furniture from his sister Martha's doll's closet. He also grabbed from there a striped rag rug that Martha had woven on her doll loom!

First they laid out the rug. It covered almost the entire floor.

Oh, how cozy! exclaimed Nisse.

But it became even more comfortable when the closet took its place in the corner, a table with armchairs was placed in the middle of the room, and both benches were placed near the stove.

Just think how well you can do! Nisse sighed.

Bertil also thought that it was good here, even much better than upstairs, in his own apartment.

They sat down in an armchair and began to talk.

It doesn’t hurt to tidy yourself up a little, Nisse said. Otherwise I'm so terribly dirty.

What if we ransom? suggested Bertil.

The jelly cup was soon filled with clean, warm water, the old torn piece of terry towel turned into a wonderful bathing sheet, and although some of the water splashed on the stairs, what was left was enough for a bath.

Bertil and Nisse quickly took off their clothes and climbed into the tub. That's great!

Rub my back, Nisse asked.

Bertil did this with pleasure. Then Nisse rubbed Bertil's back, and then they started splashing water and spilled water on the floor. But it’s not scary, they moved the rug to the side, and the water quickly dried up. Then they wrapped themselves in bathing sheets, sat on benches near the burning stove and began to tell each other about everything in the world. Then Bertil ran upstairs and brought sugar and a very, very small piece of apple, which they baked on the fire.

But then Bertil remembered that mom and dad should return home soon, and he hurried to put on his clothes. Nisse also began to dress.

It would be great if you came upstairs with me, Bertil dreamed. You could hide under my shirt and Mom and Dad wouldn't notice you.

This offer seemed unusually tempting to Nissa.

I will sit quietly, like a mouse! he promised.

What's happened? Why is your hair wet? Mom asked.

The whole family sat at the table and had dinner.

“I was swimming,” Bertil replied.

Did you swim? asked my mother. Where did you swim?

In this cup, said Bertil and, giggling, pointed to a cup of jelly that stood in the middle of the table.

Mom and Dad decided he was joking.

It’s good that Bertil is cheerful again, Dad was happy.

Yes, my poor boy, his mother sighed. What a pity that you are alone all day.

Bertil felt something move under his shirt. Something warm, very, very warm.

Don't be upset, mom, he said. I have a lot of fun when I'm alone.

And, putting his index finger under his shirt, he carefully stroked Little Nils Carlson.

The tale is presented for informational purposes only.

Bertil looked out the window. It was beginning to get dark, it was cold, foggy and uncomfortable outside.

Bertil was waiting for dad and mom. He was waiting for them with such impatience that it was simply surprising why they had not yet appeared from his mere anticipation at that street lamp. It was usually near this lantern that Bertil noticed them first. Mom came a little earlier than dad, but she couldn’t return before work at the factory ended.

Dad and Mom went to the factory every day, and Bertil sat at home alone all day. Mom left food for him so he could have a snack when he got hungry. Then, when mom returned, they sat down to dinner.

It was terribly boring to walk around the apartment alone all day long, with no one to say a word to. Of course, Bertil could have gone out into the yard to play, but now, in the fall, the weather was bad and none of the children were visible on the street.

Oh, how slowly time passed! He was tired of toys a long time ago. Yes, there weren’t that many of them. He looked through the books that were in the house from cover to cover. Six-year-old Bertil did not yet know how to read.

The room was cold. Dad lit the stove in the mornings, but by lunchtime almost all the heat was gone. Bertil is frozen. Darkness thickened in the corners of the room, but he did not even think of turning on the light. It was so terribly sad that he decided to lie down in bed and think a little about why everything in the world was so sad.

He didn't always have to sit alone. He used to have a sister, and her name was Martha. But one day Marta returned from school sick. She was sick for a whole week and then died. And when Bertil thought that he was now alone, without his sister, tears rolled down his cheeks.

And just at that moment he heard...

He heard small, mincing steps under the bed. “Are there really ghosts here?” thought Bertil and leaned over the edge of the bed to look.

And then he saw that someone was standing under the bed... Yes, yes. It was an ordinary boy, only very small, well, just tiny - no bigger than his little finger.

Hello! - said the kid.

Hello! - Bertil answered embarrassedly.

Hello! Hello! - the baby said again, and both were silent for a while.

Who are you? - Bertil finally asked. - And what are you doing under my bed?

“My name is Little Nils Carlson,” the kid answered. - I live here. Well, of course, not right under your bed, but a little lower. The entrance to me is in that corner!

And he pointed to the rat hole under Bertil's bed.

How long have you lived here? - Bertil asked in surprise.

No, just a few days,” the baby answered. - Before that, I lived in the Liljanskogen forest under the roots of a tree. But you know, by the fall you get tired of living in a campsite and want to go back to the city. I was very lucky that I managed to rent a room from a rat who moved in with his sister in Södertälje. You know how difficult it is to find a small apartment.

Yes, Bertil heard about this more than once.

Do you have it? - asked Bertil.

That’s just the point, no,” the kid answered sadly. He suddenly shrank. - Brrrr, how cold it is down there! But it’s no better for you at the top either.

Yes, it’s true,” Bertil agreed, “I’m also cold as a dog.”

There is a stove in my room,” the kid continued to explain, “but there is no firewood.” Firewood is so expensive these days!

He wrapped his arms around himself to keep warm. Then he looked at Bertil with large, clear eyes.

What do you do all day? - he asked.

Nothing special! - answered Bertil. - To be honest, I just don’t do anything!

“Exactly like me...” said Tiny. - It's boring to live alone, isn't it?

How boring,” Bertil said.

Do you want to come downstairs with me for a minute? - the kid suggested.

Bertil laughed.

Do you think I can fit into this hole?

It’s as easy as shelling pears,” explained Tiny. - All you have to do is click on the nail, which is next to the mink, and then say:

Turn around as a baby! -

And you will become as small as me.

Is it true? - Bertil was delighted. - Will I be able to become big again before mom and dad get home?

Of course, you can,” Tiny reassured him. - To do this, you will press the nail again and say again:

Snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips!

Turn into a boy!

Well, there you go! - Bertil was surprised. -Can you become as big as me?

Alas! “I can’t do this,” Tiny sighed. “Still, it would be nice for you to come downstairs to me at least for a while.”

Come on! - Bertil agreed.

He crawled under the bed, pressed the nail with his index finger and said:

Snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips!

Turn around as a baby!

Indeed!

A moment - and he stands in front of the rat hole, as small as Tiny.

Actually everyone calls me Nisse! - The little man introduced himself again and extended his hand to Bertil. - Come downstairs to me!

Bertil realized that something exciting and unusual was happening to him. He was simply burning with curiosity, he was so impatient to quickly go down into the dark hole.

Go down carefully! - Nisse warned. - The railing is broken in one place.

Bertil walked carefully down the small stone staircase. Just think, he didn't even know there were stairs here! It ended in front of a locked door.

Wait, I’ll turn on the light,” Nisse said and turned the switch.

A business card was taped to the door, and on it was written in neat letters:

Little Nils Carlson.

Nisse opened the door and turned another switch. Bertil entered the room...

It’s not very cozy here,” Nisse apologized.

Bertil looked around. The room was small, cold, with one window and a tiled stove painted blue.

Yes, it can be better,” he agreed. -Where do you sleep at night?

“On the floor,” Nisse answered.

You're so cold! Brrrr... - Bertil shuddered in horror.

You ask! It's still so cold! You can be sure. It’s so cold that you have to jump up and run around the room every now and then so as not to freeze at all!

Bertil felt terribly sorry for the baby. At least he himself didn’t freeze at night.

And then Bertil came up with a good idea.

How stupid I am! - he said. - I can get firewood for you!

Nisse quickly grabbed his hand.

Do you think you can do it? - he asked quickly.

Nothing! If only you managed to get firewood, then I can light it...

Bertil ran up the stairs and pressed the nail... but forgot what to say.

What words need to be said? - he shouted down to the baby.

Hmm, snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips! Turn into a boy! - answered Nisse.

Hmm, snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips! Turn into a boy! - repeated Bertil. But nothing worked out.

Ugh, you just need to say

Snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips!

Turn into a boy! -

Nisse shouted from below.

Just snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips!

Turn into a boy!

Bertil repeated.

But again nothing happened.

Oh oh! - Nisse shouted again. - Nothing except

Snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips!

Turn into a boy! -

you don't need to tell!

And then Bertil finally understood what needed to be said.

Turn into a boy! -

he said and became the old Bertil again, so quickly that he even hit his head on his bed.

Bertil quickly crawled out from under the bed and crawled to the kitchen stove. There was a whole pile of burnt matches lying there. He broke them into tiny slivers and placed them near the rat hole. Then, having uttered a spell, he became small again and shouted:

Nisse, help me move the wood downstairs!

After all, now that he had become small, he was not able to drag all these matches alone. Nisse came skipping, and with difficulty, helping each other, they dragged the firewood down the stairs and piled it in the room by the stove.

Nisse actually jumped for joy.

This kind of firewood is the best in the world! Yes, yes, the best in the world!

He filled the stove full of firewood, and neatly stacked what was left side by side in the corner.

“Now I’ll show you something,” he said. Nisse squatted down in front of the stove and blew on the wood:

The firewood crackled and caught fire!

What a miracle! - Bertil was delighted. - And matches are not needed!

“Yes,” said Nisse. - What a wonderful fire. I haven't felt so warm since summer.

They both sat down on the floor in front of the blazing fire and extended their hands, blue from the cold, to the life-giving warmth.

And how much wood is still left! - said a pleased Nisse.

When they run out, I’ll get more,” Bertil promised. He was pleased too.

“I won’t freeze tonight,” Nisse rejoiced.

What are you eating? - Bertil asked a little later.

Nisse blushed.

“Yes, a little bit of everything,” he answered uncertainly. - Whatever you can get.

Well, what did you eat today? - Bertil asked curiously.

Today, I... - Nisse drawled. - Today, I don’t think I ate anything.

But then you're hungry as a wolf! - exclaimed Bertil.

Yes,” Nisse answered, hesitating a little. - I'm terribly hungry.

Why didn’t you say so right away, hat? I'll bring it now.

Nisse almost choked with joy.

If you actually get me something to eat, I will never forget it!

Bertil was already climbing the stairs. He said quickly:

Snur-re, snur-re, snur-re, vips!

Turn into a boy!

He quickly rushed to the pantry and took a very small slice of cheese and a very small slice of bread. Then he buttered the bread, put a cutlet and two raisins on top. He put all this next to the rat hole. Then he became small again.

Nisse, help me carry the food downstairs! - he shouted.

Nisse was already standing next to him and waiting.

They carried all the supplies downstairs. Nisse's eyes lit up like stars. Bertil also felt that he was hungry.

Let's start with the cutlet! - he suggested.

The cutlet was no smaller than Nissa's head. They started eating it from both sides to see who could get to the middle faster. The first was Nisse.

Then they started eating bread and cheese. A very small slice of bread seemed so big to them, like a huge loaf.

And Nisse decided to hide the cheese.

You see, I have to pay the rat every month with a rind of cheese. Otherwise I'll just be thrown out of here.

“We’ll sort this out,” Bertil reassured him. - Eat cheese.

And they ate the cheese, and then began to feast on the raisins.

But Nisse said that he would hide half of his zest in the morning.

“When I wake up, I’ll have something to chew,” he explained. - I’m thinking of lying down near the stove, it’s warmer there.

Then Bertil shouts:

Invented! Great idea! Vips!

And he disappeared. He was gone for quite a long time. Suddenly Nisse heard him shout:

Come here, help me lower the bed!

Nisse rushed upstairs. Bertil stood there with the cutest white crib in the world. He took it from his sister Martha's old doll closet. Actually, there was a tiny doll lying there, but Nissa needed the crib more.

I grabbed a sheet for you and a piece of green flannel that my mother bought me for new pajamas. You will cover yourself with flannel instead of a blanket.

ABOUT! - Nisse said and fell silent, unable to utter a word.

“I also took the doll’s nightgown with me,” Bertil added. “You don’t mind sleeping in a doll’s nightgown, do you?”

Of course not,” Nisse whispered.

You know, girls have so many different clothes,” Bertil said, as if apologizing.

But it’s warm in such a shirt,” Nisse objected to him and stroked the doll’s nightgown with his hand. “I’ve never slept in a real bed before,” he said, “I just want to go and lie down right away.”

“Let’s go to bed,” Bertil agreed. - I still have to go upstairs. Just look, mom and dad will come.

Nisse quickly took off his clothes, put on a doll's nightgown, jumped into bed, wrapped himself in a sheet and pulled a flannel blanket over himself.

ABOUT! - he repeated. - I'm completely full. And I feel very warm. And I really want to sleep.

Hello then! - said Bertil. - I'll be back in the morning.

But Nisse didn’t hear anything anymore. He slept.

The next day Bertil couldn’t wait for mom and dad to leave. Why are they digging there! Usually Bertil said goodbye to them in the hallway with a sad look. But today everything was different. Before the door in the hallway slammed behind them, he crawled under the bed and went down to Nissa.

Nisse had already gotten up and lit the stove.

Is it okay that I burn wood? - he asked Bertil.

Of course, it’s okay, you can drown as much as you want,” Bertil replied. And he looked around the room.

You know, we need to clean up here,” he suggested.

Yes, it won’t hurt,” Nisse agreed. - The floor is so dirty, as if it had never been washed.

And Bertil was already climbing the stairs. A floor brush and a washbasin - that's what he needs! In the kitchen, on the table for washing dishes, there was an old, worn-out toothbrush. Bertil took it and broke off the handle. Then he looked into the cupboard. There was a very, very small cup - my mother served jelly in it. Bertil poured warm water from a saucepan into a cup and put a piece of soap in it. He put all this, as usual, near the rat hole. Nyssa had to help him get it all down again.

What a huge brush! - Nisse was surprised.

It will be of great use to you,” said Bertil, and they began to wash the floor. Bertil rubbed it with a brush, and Nisse wiped it dry with a rag. The water in the cup was completely black with dirt. But the floor soon became almost clean.

“Sit here, near the stairs,” Bertil invited. - A surprise awaits you. Close eyes! Don't look!

Nisse closed his eyes. He heard Bertil go upstairs to his apartment, then heard him dragging something.

Now open your eyes! - suggested Bertil.

Nisse did just that. And I saw - neither more nor less: a table, a corner cabinet, two very beautiful armchairs and two wooden benches.

I have never seen anything like this before in the world! - Nisse shouted. - You sure know how to cast magic!

Bertil, of course, did not know how to cast magic. He took all this furniture from his sister Martha's doll's closet. He also grabbed from there a striped rag rug that Martha had woven on her doll loom!

First they laid out the rug. It covered almost the entire floor.

Oh, how cozy! - Nisse exclaimed. But it became even more comfortable when the closet took its place in the corner, a table with armchairs was placed in the middle of the room, and both benches were placed near the stove.

Just think how well you can do! - Nisse sighed.

Bertil also thought that it was good here, even much better than upstairs in his own apartment.

They sat down in an armchair and began to talk.

“It doesn’t hurt to tidy yourself up a little,” Nisse said. - Otherwise I’m terribly dirty.

What if we ransom? - suggested Bertil.

And now the jelly cup was quickly filled with clean, warm water, a piece of an old torn terry towel turned into a wonderful bathing sheet, and although a little water splashed on the stairs, what was left was enough for a bath. Bertil and Nisse quickly took off their clothes and climbed into the tub. That's great!

“Rub my back,” Nisse asked.

Bertil did this with pleasure. Then Nisse rubbed Bertil's back, and then they started splashing water and spilled water on the floor. But it’s not scary - they moved the rug to the side, and the water quickly dried up. Then they wrapped themselves in bathing sheets, sat on benches near the burning stove and began to tell each other about everything in the world. Then Bertil ran upstairs and brought sugar and a very, very small piece of apple, which they baked on the fire.

But then Bertil remembered that mom and dad should return home soon, and he hurried to throw on his clothes. Nisse also began to dress.

It would be great if you came upstairs with me,” Bertil dreamed. - You could hide under my shirt, and. Mom and Dad wouldn't notice you.

This offer seemed unusually tempting to Nissa.

I will sit quietly, like a mouse! - he promised.

What's happened? Why is your hair wet? - Mom asked when the whole family was already sitting at the table and having dinner.

“I was swimming,” Bertil answered.

Did you swim? - Mom asked again. -Where did you swim?

“In this cup,” said Bertil and, giggling, pointed to a cup of jelly that stood in the middle of the table.

Mom and Dad decided he was joking.

“It’s so good that Bertil is cheerful again,” Dad rejoiced.

My poor boy,” my mother sighed. - What a pity that you are alone all day long.

Bertil felt a movement under his shirt. So warm, very, very warm.

Don’t be upset, mom,” he said. - I have a lot of fun when I'm alone.

And, putting his index finger under his shirt, he carefully stroked Little Nils Carlson.