The Tale of the Tiny Man

A classic picture book from Sweden with a very happy ending about feeling lonely and finding friends. It is possible, after all, to have more than one friend!

There was once a tiny man. One day, at the first sign of Spring, he decided to pin a note to a tree that said FRIEND WANTED. Then he sat down on the step to wait.

After ten days, he woke to find a cold nose in his hand. Beside him was a big dog with a beautiful curve in its tail. The tiny man had made a friend at last.

They play and walk and laugh every day. But then the girl in the polka dot dress comes to the step. The little man watches as the dog put his soft muzzle into the girl’s hand and worries that he has lost his only friend.

A touching picture book that explores learning how to make and share friends, feelings of being left out and discovering group dynamics. Packed full of emotion, this hardback picture book also teaches young children about self-esteem and empathy. A perfect story to read aloud with preschoolers or for young children just starting out at reading by themselves.

A much-loved classic children’s story in Sweden, this celebratory edition features new illustrations from Eva Eriksson, illustrator of the My Happy Life series. It has also been made into a successful theatre show.

Barbro Lindgren is a pioneering children’s author from Sweden. She has won many international awards, including the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.

Eva Eriksson is one of the best-loved illustrators in Sweden, whose awards include the Astrid Lindgren prize and the August award.

Other books by Barbro Lindgren
Soda Pop
Max’s Wagon
Max’s Bath

Other books illustrated by Eva Eriksson
My Happy Life series
When Dad Showed Me the Universe

Praise for The Tale of the Tiny Man
"This book truly does deserve its 'classic' status."―Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

"Audiences will be 'pleased as punch' over the man's turn in fortunes."―Foreword Reviews

"A sensitive, atmospheric story depicting the fragility and rewards of friendship."―Kirkus Reviews

"Though-provoking and evocative with atmospheric illustrations, this is a memorable picture book story of friendship, understanding and acceptance that will resonate with younger readers."―School Reading List

"[C]an serve as a good starting point for a discussion with children about emotions relating to exclusion or inclusion."―Five Books, Best Kids Books for 2022

“And o! The drama! The pathos! The desolation! The joy! It’s ALL THE FEELINGS. And if the children in your life ask you to read it to them over and over and then some more, don’t be surprised." ―Seven Impossible Things

Praise for Soda Pop
"There’s a sublime sort of craziness to it that catches me unawares every time. Neither Soda Pop nor Mazarin nor Dartanyong speaks a single word of sense, but they will be my friends for life." ―Astrid Lindgren, author of Pippi Longstocking

Praise for My Happy Life series
“If only all early chapter books were this beautifully conceived.”―The New York Times

Praise for When Dad Showed Me the Universe
“Gentle humor pervades this father-son tale in the nicest way.”―Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review, Best International Picture Books of 2015

Barbro Lindgren is a pioneering children's author from Sweden. She has written more than 100 books for all ages and been translated into more than 30 languages. Her many awards include the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.

Eva Eriksson is one of the world's great illustrators. Her awards include the Astrid Lindgren Prize and the August award and she is consistently nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen and other international awards.