Redbery Books

Lise Lunge-Larson, award-winning author and storyteller, will be back by popular demand for a storytelling program at Redbery Books on Friday, February 26 at 10:30 a.m. Her book, The Race of the Birkebeiners is the story of the Birkebeiners, the "birchleggers," who saved the infant Prince Hakon by skiing across the mountains of Norway in the dead of winter in 1206. It is a story of bravery and tenderness. It is also the story that gave the name to "The Birkie" cross-country ski race that has been skied in northern Wisconsin since 1973.

Lise was born in Norway "with skis on her feet — like all Norwegian babies." She came to the United States on a scholarship to attend Augsburg College. She had planned to stay for a year and return to Norway, but she ended up falling in love — both with her husband and with children's literature — and now lives in Duluth, Minn. She is passionate about stories and storytelling.

"By living a life immersed in great stories, children will see that they have the resources needed to solve life's struggles,” she said. “And, while listening to these stories, children can rest for a while in a world that mirrors their own, full of magic and the possibility of greatness that lies within the human heart."

Lunge-Larson will be in the Cable area to ski on the day of the American Birkebeiner and loves the opportunity to share her stories the day before the race. Children and adults typically sit spellbound and truly enjoy her sharing her gifts. Books will be available for signing.