Astrid's Magic

by Freda Nobbs

In the world of children’s books, there are many authors to be grateful for, none more than  Sweden’s Astrid Lindgren, the creator of Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Efraim’s Daughter Longstocking, that is, the one and only Pippi Longstocking. Lindgren created Pippi for her young daughter Karin, when she was ill (In fact, it was Karin who thought up the glorious extended name), and right from the start, Pippi took the world by storm; her adventures have been translated into more than 90 languages, from Arabic to Zulu. In 2007, to honour the centennial of Lindgren’s birth, Penguin published  a new English translation by the preeminent translator Tiina Nunnally, and illustrated by the wonderful Lauren Child, no slouch herself when it comes to creating independent thinking female characters, like single-minded Lola in the Charlie and Lola series, and feisty Clarice Bean. Using her trademark mix of collage, photography and illustration, Child offers a fresh, offbeat approach that matches the wildly eccentric, generous-hearted, Pippi, the strongest girl in the world, who can take care of herself and have a terrific time in the process. Carrot-topped Pippi, with her mismatched stockings and infectious good humour is both inspired and inspiring, and this edition does her justice. Pippi Longstocking (Penguin 2007) is perfect to read aloud to 5+, as well as for young readers 8+ to read themselves; it’s also a great gift for anyone else who loves Pippi, including adults.

Pippi may be the best known of Lindgren’s creations, but she is certainly not the only one who is unconventional and independent. Take, for example, the extraordinary, loveable Karlson, a   round, egocentric little man with a propeller in his back which, of course, enables him to fly in and out of all sorts of adventures. Karlson lives on the rooftop of the home of a young boy, Smidge, and his family, much to the chagrin of Smidge’s parents. However, despite the havoc that Karlson creates, he is Smidge’s best friend, loyal and true, and that is worth all the trouble… at least most of the time. The collection of stories The World’s Best Karlson (Oxford Press 2009), offers a cornucopia of Karlson and Smidge misadventures, including a flooded bathroom, Karlson’s birthday celebrations, and the problems that result from Karlson being mistaken for a spy! Lots of fun for six- to nine-year-olds.

Perhaps my favourite of Lindgren’s novels is her classic fantasy, Ronia the Robber’s Daughter (Puffin 1983). When Ronia is born into her robber father’s mountain fortress on the night of a great thunderstorm, her father and all his robber compatriots rejoice. Yet that storm is a portent, for Ronia brings not only joy but change to her father’s world. She seeks her own place, finding it in an extraordinary forest inhabited by beautiful, frightening harpies as well as mud trolls, goblins, grey dwarves, and other strange, wonderful creatures. However, the forest is also a natural haven; the moss is soft, green and damp under Ronia’s bare feet, the scents and sounds of a soft rain provide comfort, and the wild horses that roam there offer new freedom. When Ronia finds a kindred spirit in Birk, the son of her father’s enemy, it is the forest that offers them the chance to nurture friendship, confront fears, and learn from mistakes. A modern classic, Ronia the Robber’s Daughter shows the joys and challenges that come with change, growth and independence. Great for nine- to 12-year-olds to savour on their own, this is also a wonderful book to read aloud.

Long after you put down an Astrid Lindgren story, you will remember the characters. Eager, untidy, generous and kind: these are wonderful companions, during childhood and beyond.   Lindgren’s picture books are magic too. Keep a lookout at your library or bookstore for Christmas in Noisy Village (Puffin 1963), wonderfully  illustrated by Ilon Wiland: it is a seasonal delight.

In 1958  Astrid Lindgren received the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, the children’s literature version of the Nobel Prize; her work continues to garner praise. No wonder, for she is a literary treasure.

Freda Nobbs is a writer, editor and children’s literature consultant in Victoria.