Winterfrost

Never neglect a nisse. Such is the hard lesson learned by young Bettina in this novel, set in Denmark. Bettina’s grandfather, or Farfar, has always believed in the nisse, the elflike creatures rumored to look after the family and its livestock, and he never forgot to leave them a bowl of Christmas pudding. But on this first Christmas since Farfar’s death, Bettina’s parents are called away and leave her in charge. In the resulting confusion, Klaake the nisse gets no holiday treat and resorts to mischief as payback. Things get out of hand when Klaake snatches away Bettina’a baby sister and sets off a chain of dramatic magical encounters between Bettina and the nisse. Houts’s descriptions of the glistening weather phenomenon of winterfrost heighten the air of wonder in the story. The mix of fantasy, legend, and holiday tradition makes for a heady, escapist read. Ages 8–12. Agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. (Sept.)