Pippi Longstocking is nine years old. She has just moved into Villa Villekulla where she lives all by herself with a horse, a monkey, and a big suitcase full of gold coins. The grown-ups in the village try to make Pippi behave in ways that they think a little girl should, but Pippi has other ideas. She would much rather spend her days arranging wild, exciting adventures to enjoy with her neighbours, Tommy and Annika, or entertaining everyone she meets with her outrageous stories. Pippi thinks nothing of wrestling a circus strongman, dancing a polka with burglars, or tugging a bull's tail. Generations of children have fallen in love with Pippi Longstocking. Just like Tommy and Annika, readers are instantly charmed by her warmth and sense of fun. Astrid Lindgren's children's classic first appeared in 1945. Astrid once commented, 'I write to amuse the child within me, and can only hope that other children may have some fun that way, too.' When she was growing up, Lauren Child loved Astrid Lindgren's books. She remembers: 'I discovered Pippi when I was about eight years old and found her completely inspiring.'
Known and loved as the creator of some equally feisty little girls - notably Clarice Bean and Lola - Lauren has brought her own inimitable style to this beautifully-illustrated edition of Pippi Longstocking, presented in a stunning slipcase.
Pippi Longstocking is a rambunctious youngster with so much energy and mirth. She's constantly on the prowl for some sort of adventure to be had and in many ways, she reminds me of a more active, more troublesome version of Peter Pan. At the center of it all, Pippi has a good heart, but she is a handful.
I didn't read this book as a child, and as an adult, it didn't really appeal to me. There wasn't a lot of rhyme or reason to it, and it was too stressful to be enchanting. On personal enjoyment, I'd actually only give this 1.5 stars. But sometimes, SOMETIMES, I can write a review that's a bit more objective and I do believe that as a book, Pippi Longstocking deserves four.
Why? Well, first of all, this wasn't written for me. It was written for children. And as such - the writing style is charming and has a great flow. The stories bump from one adventure to another and would make a great bedtime story, because they send the imagination running. Additionally, the characters are varied and interesting, and children will enjoy them. For its intended audience, I think this book is great.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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23 October, 2018:
Finished reading
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23 October, 2018:
Reviewed