The Tomte’s Hat

Birgit grew up in a home with strong Scandinavian influences. Her grandparents were Swedish and Norwegian with a little Dutch. Her family carried on many "Old World" traditions which meant there were tomtes involved. As a child, Birgit's best friend was her sister with Down's Syndrome, Margit. They liked to play with tomtes as part of their creative imaginary life. Now in retirement, she has enjoyed drawing and being involved with these mythical characters. Birgit's desire is to continue and pass on traditions to her family.
In real life, Birgit is a fiber artist with a strong connection to traditional Scandinavian fiber arts: weaving, knitting, crochet, embroidery, and quilting. Birgit lectures and teaches quilting throughout the United States. As a classically trained musician, she also enjoys teaching harp. She, along with her husband Jim (of Finnish descent), lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They enjoy ethnic cooking, gardening, woodworking, and music.
For more information about upcoming Tomte books, you may follow Birgit on her website: birgitsdesigns.com.
Sign up for her newsletter, the "Tomte Times," or follow Birgit on Facebook @Tomte Times.
Reach Birgit at birgitsdesigns@new.rr.com

Author and Illustrator Birgit Ruotsala was inspired to write and illustrate books about her love for Scandinavian culture as told by her grandparents. The tomtes that her grandmas taught her about have kept the customs and traditions alive, even when the tomtes are being mischievous and making up stories. It is Birgit's goal to introduce a little Scandinavian living to all interested.
THE TOMTE'S HAT is the first book in a series of Tomte adventures. If you want to know more about these adventures, please visit Birgit's website and sign up to receive "THE TOMTE TIMES" newsletter where you will also find tomte merchandise and upcoming events and new book releases.
Birgit's website is: birgitsdesigns.com