Wonderful Adventures of Nils Holgersson - Selma Lagerlöf, Penguin Classics

Scandinavia's best-loved children's classic - the enchanting story of a naughty little boy who learns to love nature 'Never before had Nils travelled around at such good speed, and he had always liked riding fast and wild. And he had never thought that it could feel as fresh as it did up in the air, and that such a good smell of topsoil and resin rose up from the earth. It was like flying away from worries and sorrows and annoyances of any sort that could be imagined.' Nils Holgersson is a naughty boy who tortures animals and never listens to his parents - until one day he wakes up as an elf. Deeply puzzled by his new status, he climbs on a gander's back and flies away with him, joining a flock of wild geese. As he is carried around Sweden, Nils learns everything about birds, animals, his country and good behaviour. Incredibly charming, elegantly translated and beautifully designed, The Wonderful Adventure of Nils Holgersson is a timeless classic loved by generations of children around the world.