Pippi Longstocking
The strongest girl in the world lives alone, with a horse on her porch and a suitcase of gold, and has never once asked for permission.
Why they ask for it again
Pippi does everything a child is told not to, and nobody can stop her. That is pure, undiluted wish fulfilment.
Our review
Pippi moves into Villa Villekulla with a monkey called Mr. Nilsson and a horse, without any parents at all. She lifts the horse, tells enormous lies, bakes on the floor, and sees off policemen and burglars with cheerful ease. Tommy and Annika, the very tidy kids next door, cannot believe their luck.
The stories are episodic, which makes for an easy bedtime rhythm, and they are still anarchic eighty years on. Under the silliness there is a little loneliness, because Pippi is a child with no parents around, and older kids sometimes notice that. Lindgren never makes a fuss of it.
How to read it aloud
Pippi should be loud, confident and completely sincere, even when she is lying. Tommy and Annika can sound like small, well-behaved accountants.
The catch
Older translations include a dated passage about Pippi's father and "cannibal" islanders. Look for a recent revised edition, or edit as you read.
Is it scary?
Nothing frightening. A couple of bumbling burglars come to regret their choices.
Books like Pippi Longstocking, and what to read next
MatildaAnother extraordinary girl against awful adults, with more of an edge.
Moominland MidwinterAnother Nordic classic, but far quieter and stranger.
The Paper Bag PrincessA short shot of the same spirit for a younger sibling.
Also good for
Quick answers
What age is Pippi Longstocking for?
Ages 5–10. The sweet spot, in our opinion, is age 6 to 8.
How long does Pippi Longstocking take to read aloud?
About 3 hours in total, or 15 minutes a sitting. This is our estimate at a calm bedtime pace.
Is Pippi Longstocking scary?
Nothing frightening. A couple of bumbling burglars come to regret their choices.
What should we read after Pippi Longstocking?
We would suggest Matilda, Moominland Midwinter, The Paper Bag Princess.