Ash and Pud, two little gnomes or tomte-like creatures, were the caretakers of all of the forest residents, from squirrels to trees, making sure everyone had enough to eat, and dispensing the knitted caps and scarves they made, in their tiny home. Discovering a massive and unfamiliar creature in the forest one day, the brothers were frightened at first, before realizing that they had a duty to this stranger as well...

Although not quite the right season for reading this, I am glad that The Little Forest Keepers, enthusiastically recommended to me by my friend Kathryn, finally became available at the library! I enjoy stories featuring tomte, or tomte-adjacent beings, and this was no exception. With a simple but sweet story, and cozy artwork that draws the reader in, I think this is a picture book that will please both young fairy-tale lovers and those who enjoy reading about woodland creatures. It's a lovely winter tale, suitable for younger picture-book audiences in the mood for gentle, reassuring fare. ( )