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 themself.

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.

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

“"The protagonist mourns his friendless status in this tale by two longtime Swedish collaborators. Originally published by R and S Books (1992), this version has a larger trim size and updated illustrations, although the diminutive man retains his tan coat, brown hat, and chubby cheeks. He is a lonely figure, sitting on his front steps, wishing for a companion. Dogs and old men are mean to him: 'People thought he was too small and possibly a bit slow.' He creates a sign advertising for a friend and waits patiently outside. On the 10th night, he awakens to find a dog nuzzling his hand. Lindgren and Eriksson slowly build interactions of mutual delight: playful roughhousing, bedtime arrangements (dog in bed; man in dresser drawer), shared meals. The bare trees of winter silhouetted against a gray sky yield to dancing flowers surrounded by a warm, green landscape. The dog's antics, e.g., peeing on the fence, will amuse young viewers, just as the sad moments will touch them. All is well (there is even payback to the bullies) until a little girl visits. Three is a perilous number in relationships, and the man flees to the forest, where '[h]is tears fell like pearls on the moss.' When the man returns home to investigate, a joyful reunion ensues, and the trio figures out how to abide together. The man and the girl are light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sensitive, atmospheric story depicting the fragility and rewards of friendship."--Kirkus Reviews”

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

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

Barbro Lindgren touches on the very human need to connect showing a longing that is heartbreaking. Her timeless text combines effortlessly with the moody illustrations by Eva Eriksson, capturing the yearning and melancholy of a tiny man with a big heart.

"Audiences will also be “pleased as punch” over the man’s turn in fortunes."

"This book truly does deserve its 'classic' status."

Barbro Lindgren is a pioneering children’s author from Sweden. Her many awards include the Astrid Lindgren Prize, the Nils Holgersson plaque and the Grand Prize of the Society for the Promotion of Literature. In 2014, she received 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. Eriksson has illustrated numerous books published by Gecko Press including the internationally popular My Happy Life junior fiction series.

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