The Hidden Folk: Stories of Fairies, Dwarves, Selkies, and Other Secret Beings
Lise Lunge-Larsen traces the history of those "beings whose presence we feel but whom we cannot see." She explains that, like humans, "Some are kind and gentle; some are quick to anger and resentment," but all are hidden away. They are most likely to show themselves during "in-between" times, appearing at Midsummer Night's Eve or the winter solstice, or during the transitions from dusk to night and from dawn to day. Drawing inspiration from northern European folklore and fragmentary family anecdotes, she explains parsley's bitter taste as the spit of angry Flower Fairies and crafts encounters with a dangerous Water Horse, a dwarf king who repays a poor man's act of kindness with a never-emptied purse, a version of The Selkie Wife, and more. The book is divided into sections on flower fairies, gnomes, hill folk, elves, dwarves, water horses, river sprites, and selkies. Each chapter begins with an overview and contains one or two brief stories. Genial asides appear in the margins and further elucidate each magical creature. The author draws on a rich tradition of legends and myths, retelling them in an accessible manner that will captivate readers. Handsome scratchboard illustrations by Beth Kromme decorate the pages with stylized figures and landscapes. The vivid hues and interesting textures make an eye-catching combination. Descriptive borders herald each section and highlight motifs related to its subject. Ages 7 to adult. Hardcover, 80 pages
About the author
Born and raised in Norway, Lise Lunge-Larson grew up "knowing which hills were inhabited by hill folk, and where the wood elves played their music." She has studied folklore at the University of Oslo and the University of Minnesota, and is the award-winning author of "The Race of the Birkebeiners," and "A Troll With No Heart in His Body."
