A sweet but suspenseful story set on the Danish island of Lolland, Houts' latest reveals two worlds: that of 12-year-old Bettina, who must watch over her baby sister when her parents are called away, and that of the nisse folk, the small, magical creatures who have long provided hidden help and made mischief in the countryside. Few adults believe in them, but they cause real trouble, starting when Klakke, the nisse who lives in Bettina's barn, impulsively steals baby Pia from her carriage. Houts focuses on Bettina's lamentable situation but also shows how Klakke's mind works; he's not malicious, just upset and immature. The plot comes together as Bettina bravely searches for her sister in the sparkling wilderness, which seems to be under some sort of winter spell. Houts wonderfully conveys how Bettina gets caught up in "a blur of frost and leaves and roots and cider" as she travels to the nisse's hideaways and then makes her way back home th not only her sister but also with more friends than she had before.

With their parents unexpectedly called away, Bettina is left in charge of her baby sister. A mischievous nisse steals Pia, and Bettina must use all her courage, wit, and heart to get her sister back. In the process, her sadness over her grandfather's death changes to joy in their shared belief in the small folk. Readers will enjoy this Danish-folklore-inspired Christmastime adventure.

Gr 3-5 The Larsens' Christmas dinner is interrupted by a frantic emergency call that summons both parents away, leaving 12-year-old Bettina in charge of the farm, the household, and baby Pia. Unfortunately, in the confusion, family members forget the tradition of putting a bowl of holiday rice pudding out for the nisse who protects their Danish homestead. While the wee magical folk are usually kind and helpful, tradition warns that they can be prickly when slighted. So, when little Pia vanishes, Bettina fears that the offended nisse are to blame. An enchanted winterfrost opens the way for her to enter their hidden world. She learns that Pia is being held by Ulf, an angry nisse , estranged from his family and filled with guilt over a long-ago mistake. To bring her sister home, Bettina must travel to Ulf's lonely island and help the unhappy recluse make peace with his family and his past. Children with a fascination for all things cute and tiny will delight in the cozy details of nisse household life, with its acorn cups and thistledown stockings. At the same time, they will appreciate Bettina's struggle to cope with very adult responsibilities. A gentle holiday adventure with a quiet message of courage and responsibility. Elaine E. Knight, formerly at Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL