Lindgren, Astrid (1907-2002), a Swedish children’s author, became internationally famous for her novels about a girl named Pippi Longstocking. Lindgren introduced the character in Pippi Longstocking (1945). The girl appeared in two later novels, Pippi Goes on Board (1946) and Pippi in the South Seas (1948). The red-haired Pippi was a new type of heroine in children’s literature. She was independent, free-spirited, and athletic, while typical heroines in other children’s stories were well-behaved girls who conformed to the world of adults.
Lindgren also created other youthful heroes, including a boy detective named Bill Bergson who appears in Bill Bergson, Master Detective (1946) and several other books. Lindgren introduced the energetic Nyman children in The Children on Troublemaker Street (1956). An adventurous 5-year-old boy named Emil first appeared in Emil in the Soup Tureen (1963). Lindgren drew on familiar themes from folklore in Mio, My Son (1954), The Brothers Lionheart (1973), and Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter (1981).
Astrid Anna Emilia Ericsson was born on Nov. 14, 1907, in Vimmerby, Sweden. She married Sture Lindgren, a business executive, in 1931. Throughout her life, she strongly supported children’s rights and animal welfare. Lindgren died on Jan. 28, 2002.
