Kari Vick
Even Grandma makes mistakes, learns young Ella, the child character in a new Nordic-themed children’s book written by Carol Hagen of Decorah, Iowa.
What’s in the Rommegrot?! is a sweet read-aloud storybook filled with fresh, vibrant illustrations by Kari Vick, an artist affiliated with the Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, who collaborated with Hagen on the book. Penfield Press in Iowa City is the publisher.
“Seeing the story come to life through Kari’s drawings was one of the most gratifying aspects of this project,” says Hagen. “It just made my day to see her illustrations come through text or e-mail, day by day all last fall.”
Hagen recently retired from Luther College in Decorah where she worked as a clinical social worker in the college counseling center. A third-generation Norwegian-American, she says the simple porridge, rommegrot, was made on a regular basis in her home while growing up. “My Mom was widowed and a single parent. We didn’t have much money so rommegrot was a staple for us. The basic ingredients were usually on hand, plus the dish is quite filling.”
The story, What’s in the Rommegrot?! is based on a true event.
As the two characters, Ella and Grandma, prepare “the sweet, creamy porridge,” something goes awry, but Ella steps in to save the day—and the rommegrot! A recipe for the dish, and a custom coloring page by Harmony, Minnesota, rosemaling artist Betty Dowe, are included in the end pages so children can further engage with the story.
The 8 ½” x 11” book is available for purchase directly from the author. Contact whatsintherommegrot@gmail.com or call 563-382-4007 for ordering information. Retailers and librarians may also contact Hagen to acquire books. Additional information is available on the website whatsintherommegrot.wixsite.com/website.
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