Meet New Books
Book Cover

Pippi Longstocking

Book 1 in the series:Pippi Langstrump

Save:
Find on Amazon

Who Would Like This Book:

Pippi Longstocking is a burst of wild, unrestrained fun. This classic introduces a fiercely independent, super-strong girl who lives by her own rules, turning the everyday into adventure. Kids (especially ages 7-10) will delight in her outrageous antics, her kindly heart, and her refusal to let grownups cramp her style. Pippi is a dream figure for anyone who ever wished for more adventure, more pancakes for dinner, and a lot fewer chores! It’s also a fantastic pick for families who want to introduce strong, unconventional female characters or revisit a childhood favorite together.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Not everyone falls for Pippi’s charm. Some readers - especially adults - have struggled with the book’s episodic structure and the lack of character growth. The over-the-top independence, Pippi’s constant rule-breaking, and her far-fetched strength can be a turn-off for those looking for realism or moral lessons. Certain scenes (like kids with pistols or Pippi’s odd take on truth and lying) may also make some parents uneasy. And purists might prefer older translations or versions with different illustrations.

An energetic, hilarious classic that encourages kids to dream big, be themselves, and embrace the unconventional. Best enjoyed with a child’s sense of humor - and a rebellious spirit!

About:

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren is a delightful children's novel that follows the adventures of the quirky and independent young girl, Pippi, who lives on her own with a monkey and a horse. The story revolves around Pippi's unconventional lifestyle, her unique perspective on the world, and the friendships she forms with her neighbors Tommy and Annika. Through a series of humorous and whimsical escapades, Pippi's character shines as she navigates through various challenges with her trademark charm and wit.

The book captures the heartwarming tale of Pippi Longstocking as she brings joy and laughter to those around her, challenging societal norms with her carefree attitude and boundless imagination. Lindgren's writing style expertly weaves together themes of friendship, adventure, and the importance of being true to oneself, creating a timeless story that continues to enchant readers of all ages.

Characters:

The characters are quirky and embody various perspectives on childhood and independence, with Pippi as the standout, living outside societal norms.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is humorous and accessible, capturing Pippi's spirit while some find it overly simplistic.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is a collection of whimsical adventures featuring Pippi Longstocking, centered around her independence and disregard for social norms.

Setting:

The setting is a whimsical Swedish village, emphasizing cultural nuances and Pippi's unique lifestyle.

Pacing:

The pacing is episodic, allowing for standalone adventures that appeal to children, though it may lack tension for some adult readers.
Next to Villekulla Cottage lay another orchard and another house. In that house lived a mother and a father with their two nice little children, a boy and a girl. The boy’s name was Tommy and the girl...

Notes:

Pippi Longstocking was created by Astrid Lindgren in 1944 when her daughter asked for a story.
Pippi Longstocking was first published in Swedish as 'Pippi Långstrump' in 1945.
The stories were originally told orally to Lindgren's sick daughter before being written down.
Pippi is a nine-year-old girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey and is famous for her strength and independence.
Pippi's full name is Pippilotta Viktualia Rullgardina Krusmynta Efraimsdotter Långstrump.
The book has been translated into over 50 languages and is considered a classic of children's literature.
Pippi lives in a large colorful house called Villa Villekulla.
Pippi does not go to school and has a very unconventional view of the world.
Her character has been interpreted as a feminist icon due to her independence and nonconformity.
Astrid Lindgren won a writing competition for her manuscript, leading to the publication of Pippi Longstocking.

From The Publisher:

Tommy and Annika have a new neighbor: red-haired, freckle-faced Pippi Longstocking, who has upside-down braids and no parents to tell her what to do. The three children have the most rollicking adventures on their own, with horses and monkeys, the circus, and more!

"A rollicking story." -The Horn Book

1945
164 pages

Ratings (63)

Incredible (6)
Loved It (26)
Liked It (15)
It Was OK (14)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (143):

Read It (75)
Want To Read (15)
Not Interested (53)

2 comment(s)

Loved It
1 year

****4.0****

Nine year old

Pippi lives alone in her house, "

Villa Villekulla". She had a Father who was a sailor (buccaneer captain) with whom she had sailed all around the world. But when her Father went aboard from their ship she left the ship with her monkey

Mr.Nilsson and a suitcase full of gold bars.

Pippi, is exceptionally strong and her rules are a bit different from other 9 year old children. She dresses a bit odd and is happy with her cooking and housekeeping. She befriends the neighbours' children,

Tommy and

Annika and has a lot of adventures with them.

It was a lovely read. I heard the audiobook and it was entertaining!!

Happy Reading!!

 
It Was OK
1 year

Annika and Thomas desperately wish that someone their age would move in next door so they can have a playmate. They get more than they bargained for when they find that Pippi Longstocking has moved in with her monkey, Mr Nilsson and her horse that lives on the porch because he gets in the way in the kitchen and doesn't feel comfortable in the living room.

Pippi Longstocking is the type of child that would drive a parent mad. And most adults. Any child that answers the question of 'why are you walking backwards?' with 'don't we live in a free country? Can't a person walk any way she likes? - is the type of child that would drive most adults mad.

On the other hand, she's probably also the type of child most other children love. With her red plaited pigtails and vibrant outlook on life she is a colourful icon and a fun and interesting character to enjoy.

I liked parts of this, other parts just baffled me. It probably doesn't help reading this as an adult. I find a lot of things these days fly straight over my head that my niece and nephew think is hysterical. Or I don't have a sense of humour. One of the two. I have no doubt most kids will love it though.

Whether or not you want to take the chance that the kid your reading to will revolt, I guess depends on whether or not they're your child or you can hand them back - or if they're old enough to read it themselves.

One thing that did strike me though - the guns. This is the second book in as many days to have children carrying pistols. The other was Christopher Robin from Winnie-the-Pooh. I mean, I know - different eras and all but jeez. Although at least Pippi is a bit older, I'm not sure Christopher Robin is even four. The idea of my four year old niece with a gun is terrifying. And I know Pippi says "Never let children carry guns" and that but was it necessary to include it at all?

Still interesting book. 3.5 stars for target audience.

 

About the Author:

Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002) was born in Sweden. After college, she worked in a newspaper office and a Swedish publishing house. Her most famous and beloved book, Pippi Longstocking, was originally published in Swedish in 1950 and was later translated into many…

 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.