The Wonderful Adventures of Nils

“The Wonderful Adventures of Nils” is the children’s classic by Swedish author Selma Lagerlof. Lagerlof published her charming coming-of-age tale in 1906 after being commissioned by the National Teachers Association of Sweden in 1902 to write a geography reading book for children in public schools. “The Wonderful Adventures of Nils” centers around the travels of its main character, a young boy named Nils Holgersson, who begins the tale causing mischief and harming the animals on his family’s farm. Left home alone one day while his family is at church, Nils captures a tomte, a small, gnome-like character from Swedish folklore. Nils is not kind to the little creature and as punishment Nils is turned into a tomte as well. Nils then leaves the farm before his family returns and joins a flock of wild geese. Nils accompanies the geese all over Sweden, where he observes all the unique qualities of the different provinces of the country and has many adventures. The experiences make Nils into a better and more mature person. Children and adults alike will be charmed by the descriptions of the natural world combined with Swedish folklore in this entertaining and adventurous tale. This edition includes a biographical afterword, follows the translation of Velma Swanston Howard, and is illustrated by Mary Hamilton Frye.