Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002) is one of the most famous children’s book authors in the world. She made her debut in 1944, and in 1945 her second book, Pippi Longstocking, was published.
When Astrid Lindgren wrote the book about Pippi, the Second World War was coming to an end and the world had never before seen so many people on the move.
With her mismatched stockings, carrot-coloured hair and freckly face, not to mention super-human strength and resilience, Pippi Longstocking has become a cultural icon. She is regularly voted as one of the world’s favourite children’s characters – she is self-sufficient, quick-witted, generous and never lets anything – or anyone – shake her self-belief or take advantage.
Her fans range from astronauts and politicians to Madonna, Lady Gaga, CocoRosie, Caitlin Moran, Amy Poehler, Maggie O’Farrell and Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki. Her rebellious nature also inspired the character of Lisbeth Salander in Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy.
No stranger to counterculture, Pippi can be seen around the world in tattoos, celebrity photographs, works of graffiti and on catwalks as a symbol of female strength, resilience, kindness, fairness and acceptance.
You can read more about Pippi on the Astrid Lindgren website.
Illustration av Ingrid Vang Nyman. ©The Astrid Lindgren Company™.
Photo: Unknown.
