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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.
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.
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.
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.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
36 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1979
About the author
Barbro Lindgren
199 books39 followers Barbro Enskog was born in Bromma, Stockholm. She graduated from art school in 1958 and has been writing books for publication since 1965. Her style has exerted a major influence on Swedish children's literature. Located between realism and surrealism, her works are humorous and imaginative, and her books for children treat important issues to be taken seriously and treated for children.
Early in her career Barbro Lindgren won the 1973 Astrid Lindgren Prize, an annual Swedish literary award distinct from the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. The once-in-a-lifetime award established on Astrid Lindgren's 60th birthday honours good writing for children or youth. Barbro Lindgren's long-time collaborator, the illustrator Eva Eriksson (born 1949), won the Prize in 2001.
Early in her career Barbro Lindgren won the 1973 Astrid Lindgren Prize, an annual Swedish literary award distinct from the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. The once-in-a-lifetime award established on Astrid Lindgren's 60th birthday honours good writing for children or youth. Barbro Lindgren's long-time collaborator, the illustrator Eva Eriksson (born 1949), won the Prize in 2001.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 30, 2022
A lonely little man wishes for a friend, and befriends a stray dog. The two form a close bond, but the tiny man worries that the dog will leave him.
This is such an emotional story! The tiny man's loneliness and sadness are very strong in the beginning. But his joy and delight when he makes friends is just as powerful at the end of the book. I love the quaint writing style and the way that the story brings little details to the forefront. The tiny man stops to notice the flowers blooming and stars shining, and each detail of life has a true meaning.
The illustrations are so beautiful! I love the soft art style and the attractive scenes on each page. The facial expressions and body language of the tiny man bring so much emotion into the story.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This is such an emotional story! The tiny man's loneliness and sadness are very strong in the beginning. But his joy and delight when he makes friends is just as powerful at the end of the book. I love the quaint writing style and the way that the story brings little details to the forefront. The tiny man stops to notice the flowers blooming and stars shining, and each detail of life has a true meaning.
The illustrations are so beautiful! I love the soft art style and the attractive scenes on each page. The facial expressions and body language of the tiny man bring so much emotion into the story.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
January 23, 2022
Thank you Walker Books for a copy of this for review
A story about learning what your self-worth is and how loved you really are.
With a cover like that, how could I resist picking this up? A tiny man and a dog sounds like a story sure to inspire, which it did.
The Percy-the-Park-Keeper illustration style immediate ticked all my boxes on a nostalgia basis and were just beautiful! But the message this ultimately shares was also heart-warming.
A bit sad at times, this book definitely had me going oh no, aww as I read through the sad and lonely nature of the lonely man. There is quite a prolonged but of sadness that had me worried!
But as with any good picture book, this finishes on a high note and has the added bonus of a cheerful and loyal doggie waiting to welcome the character home.
Plenty to discuss and marvel over within this book's pages, whether it's the illustrations or themes discussed, with little ones to remind them that they're always loved and welcome.
A story about learning what your self-worth is and how loved you really are.
With a cover like that, how could I resist picking this up? A tiny man and a dog sounds like a story sure to inspire, which it did.
The Percy-the-Park-Keeper illustration style immediate ticked all my boxes on a nostalgia basis and were just beautiful! But the message this ultimately shares was also heart-warming.
A bit sad at times, this book definitely had me going oh no, aww as I read through the sad and lonely nature of the lonely man. There is quite a prolonged but of sadness that had me worried!
But as with any good picture book, this finishes on a high note and has the added bonus of a cheerful and loyal doggie waiting to welcome the character home.
Plenty to discuss and marvel over within this book's pages, whether it's the illustrations or themes discussed, with little ones to remind them that they're always loved and welcome.
November 8, 2022
This 1979 title is a Swedish classic that reminded me a bit of Shel Silverstein's 1964 The Giving Tree. A man lives alone and suffers from loneliness as well as abuse from the few people he does see. He desperately wants a friend, and even puts up signs advertising his wish for companionship. No one answers, even though he sits on his front stoop for days waiting. Eventually, a dog comes to sit with him. Encouraged, the man gives the dog an increasing number of treats, and he returns each day to sit with the man, leaving every evening. Eventually, the dog comes inside, eating the man's dinner and sleeping in his bed. The man is so happy to have a friend that he doesn't see this as an inconvenience. The dog also protects the man from mean dogs and people, and the two continue to spend time together, sitting outside even when it is cold. Come spring, a young girl joins them, and the man is jealous when the dog snuggles up to her. Dejected, he roams the woods for seven days alone, but when he comes back, he sees that the girl and the dog are missing him, so he knows that he now has two good friends.
Good Points
The illustrations are soft and have a European feel to them, and the expressions on the faces of the people and the dog are rather delightful. There's just enough text for a comfortable read aloud or for an emerging reader to pick up independently.
Vintage literature can be tricky... and trippy, and it's often hard as an adult to see the message that's being conveyed. On the surface, this is a sweet tale of a man and a dog befriending each other, and that would explain its popularity in its native country, where it has been made into a play that regularly toured. For younger readers who aren't worried that the man is spending a lot of time sitting on the stoop in all weather, this will be a heartwarming tale about the enduring love and devotion of a dog, and it salvation that such a love can provide.
The tiny man's story reminded me a bit of Schoolhouse Rock's The Tale of Mr. Morton, which I will spend the rest of the day humming to myself. (That's okay. It's my favorite of the grammar rock episodes, and has a nice story as well as a solid grammatical message.) Pair this with Jones' Perdu, Thompson's A Family for Louie or Sorosiak's new Anywhere with You for a satisfying read about the power of canine friendships.
Good Points
The illustrations are soft and have a European feel to them, and the expressions on the faces of the people and the dog are rather delightful. There's just enough text for a comfortable read aloud or for an emerging reader to pick up independently.
Vintage literature can be tricky... and trippy, and it's often hard as an adult to see the message that's being conveyed. On the surface, this is a sweet tale of a man and a dog befriending each other, and that would explain its popularity in its native country, where it has been made into a play that regularly toured. For younger readers who aren't worried that the man is spending a lot of time sitting on the stoop in all weather, this will be a heartwarming tale about the enduring love and devotion of a dog, and it salvation that such a love can provide.
The tiny man's story reminded me a bit of Schoolhouse Rock's The Tale of Mr. Morton, which I will spend the rest of the day humming to myself. (That's okay. It's my favorite of the grammar rock episodes, and has a nice story as well as a solid grammatical message.) Pair this with Jones' Perdu, Thompson's A Family for Louie or Sorosiak's new Anywhere with You for a satisfying read about the power of canine friendships.
November 11, 2021
A reissue of a Swedish classic with new illustrations, this story is heartrending because of how easy it will be for readers to relate to it. A tiny old man lives a lonely life, being either ignored or mistreated by those whose path he crosses. In desperation, he posts a note saying that he's looking for a friend on a tree. To his surprise, a stray dog comes by his house, and slowly, one kind act after another, he gains the dog's trust and friendship. All is perfect until a little girl happens by, and the dog allows her to touch its fur and muzzle. The man is sure that he can't compete with the adorable child, and wanders into the woods to grieve. Days later, he returns to find that his dog is forlorn, missing him, and realizes that there is room in the dog's heart for two friends, just as there is room in his own heart for the dog and the girl. The delicately-drawn illustrations complement the text perfectly, and the last image showing the dog draped over the two laps, muzzle in one of the man's hands, and the other hand clasping the girl's is simply precious. Things are definitely looking up for the man.
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April 9, 2022I'm having a hard time understanding the value and message of this story. It's apparently a classic Swedish tale that has been reissued and re-illustrated for this edition. It definitely feels old in the way the negative talk plays out and the "eye for an eye" treatment of strangers. The tiny man in the story has so much negative self-talk and it's really hard to witness. I think this will be more sad and confusing rather than an opportunity for empathy for children being read this tale. What does the man really learn in the end? We see him gain a friend in the dog but his insecurities still run rampant. This is not really a positive or affirming message for young children to take in.
My other concern is the pacing. This narrative runs too repetitive and slow in the middle section. It's a words for not much happening. I wonder if this will really hold the attention span of young children?
**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my own.
My other concern is the pacing. This narrative runs too repetitive and slow in the middle section. It's a words for not much happening. I wonder if this will really hold the attention span of young children?
**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my own.
March 18, 2022
A charming children's story about a friendless man who looks like Mr Magoo (high, red, round cheeks pushing up against squinting eyes and a bulbous nose). Small, none-too-bright but kindly, the tiny man lives alone, ruing his loneliness. Then, one day, he is approached by a friendly dog who initiates play, which the tiny man reciprocates with food. The tiny man has a friend!
But after a year of this, a little girl comes by, and the dog is interested in meeting her, too. Has the tiny man's friendship come to an end? Was "friendship" just a cruel illusion? Enquiring children will want to know.
Eva Eriksson's illustrations are excellent at conveying the story's changing moods, and Julia Marshall's translation is graceful and natural-sounding in English.
For more of my reviews, please see https://www.thebookbeat.com/backroom/...
But after a year of this, a little girl comes by, and the dog is interested in meeting her, too. Has the tiny man's friendship come to an end? Was "friendship" just a cruel illusion? Enquiring children will want to know.
Eva Eriksson's illustrations are excellent at conveying the story's changing moods, and Julia Marshall's translation is graceful and natural-sounding in English.
For more of my reviews, please see https://www.thebookbeat.com/backroom/...
October 18, 2022
Dammit. Dammit dammit dammit. This got me all wet eyed and soppy. I’ve had my fair share of loneliness, especially at university and before I got married, so the over thinking nature of the little man totally, totally makes sense. But then so does the answer to this being a dog. When at the depths of my depression about my dad’s illness, a neighbour’s young pup was the first time I actually felt a glimmer of happiness. So this absolutely resonates. My cats continue to be a total salvation from poor mental health. And it helps that the book is beautifully, beautifully illustrated. A genuinely lovely book
November 16, 2024
This was a peculiar story about a man (not actually tiny just a bit shorter than average) who is kind but lonely. People don't like him and are mean to him. One day a dog befriends him and soon they do everything together (although they don't do a lot - mostly sit on a doorstep!) and both are happy. When a child joins them one day the tiny man is jealous and certain he is on the out, but realises all three of them can be friends together. It was kind of a sad little story. I enjoyed the illustrations.
April 14, 2022
This picture book is about loneliness and friendship, about finding and losing and finding a friend.
It is quite a wordy picture book, compared to current trends, but the words tell the tale beautifully and we feel the raw emotions - the hurts and the joys - as if we were there. Although it has an old-world feel about it, the story is as timeless as any.
It is quite a wordy picture book, compared to current trends, but the words tell the tale beautifully and we feel the raw emotions - the hurts and the joys - as if we were there. Although it has an old-world feel about it, the story is as timeless as any.
June 28, 2022
This is a most delightful picture book for everyone, with all the right ingredients. It is sad, heartwarming, cute, funny, tender and inspiring. The illustrations are gorgeous and the text beautifully written, amusing and wise. A mixed group of 7 year olds, 11 year olds and adults hung on every word. Superb.
February 2, 2023
Not a fan.
A lonely guy believes he's too ugly to have friends until a dog starts hanging around. They're pals for a year. Then the dude thinks the dog doesn't like him and freaks out, leaving for a week. What a self-absorbed man.
A lonely guy believes he's too ugly to have friends until a dog starts hanging around. They're pals for a year. Then the dude thinks the dog doesn't like him and freaks out, leaving for a week. What a self-absorbed man.
February 4, 2022
Sweet illustrations show all the emotions of the characters, complementing the story.
March 6, 2022
I think you might have to be Swedish to get this one...?
March 16, 2022
Charming picture book about true friendship.
Read
May 26, 2022This one gave me the feels.
June 6, 2022
Oh my goodness.
A story of loneliness. Of friendship. Of jealousy. And, love.
A story of loneliness. Of friendship. Of jealousy. And, love.
July 16, 2022
Originally published in Sweden over 40 years ago, this gentle story tells the story of friendship and hope and the power of love. A sweet story!
October 10, 2022
A reissue of a Swedish classic with new illustrations, this is sensitive, compassionate, affecting story depicting the fragility and rewards of friendship.
October 12, 2022
3.5. Open Library.
October 19, 2023
A sweet story about finding a friend.
February 6, 2025
mmmm. amor tóxico, pero a la vez es como un buen ejemplo del poliamor? jaja
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews