Astrid Lindgren (14 November 1907 – 28 January 2002) was a Swedish writer of fiction and screenplays. She is best known for several children's book series, featuring Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, and the Six Bullerby Children (Children of Noisy Village in the US), and for the children's fantasy novels Mio, My Son, Ronia the Robber's Daughter, and The Brothers Lionheart. Lindgren worked on the Children's Literature Editorial Board at the Rabén & Sjögren publishing house in Stockholm and wrote more than 30 books for children. Astrid Lindgren was born as Astrid Anna Emilia Ericsson on 1907 in Vimmerby in the province of Smaland, in Southern Sweden where she grew up on a farm. Astrid was born to liberal parents, the second of four children of Samuel August, a tenant farmer, and Hanna Jonsson Ericsson. During their childhood years, the children were given a lot freedom to play and use their imagination in storytelling and games. Many of Astrid Lindgren’s books are based on her family and childhood memories and landscapes. As an author, Astrid Lindgren had a great impact on the world of children’s literature. Her books on children are loved all around the globe. Pippi Longstocking, one of the most loved books, has been translated into 60 languages. It has sold over five million copies in the United States alone. This character was created after the birth of her daughter, Karin. This strangely dressed girl living alone with her horse and ape, having great wealth and enormous physical strength, does not conform to demands of everyday life and personifies every child’s dream of freedom and power. The Pippi books also exhibit the infectious humor for which Lindgren is known. A number of people were opposed to the character of Pippy Longstocking, viewing her as dangerous and setting a bad example for children. Lindgren’s debut in writing was made at a time when women were mostly involved with domestic work, so given the context of time, bold Pippi certainly stood out. Pippy jumped right into the world of boys and grown-ups without any permission. She gave her opinion on anything to anyone. Pippi would never just sit and wait for her prince charming to come riding on his white stallion. She had her own horse. Another great character Astrid Lindgren created is Emil from Emil i Lönneberga. Emil Svensson lives with his family on a farm called Katthult, set in the village of Lönneberga a few miles from the town of Vimmerby. Emil looks like angel but he is a prankster who has a knack for getting into trouble. Emil’s mischiefs are always hilarious and never mean. Emil is very independent and tends to think in unconventional ways that are liable to be misunderstood by adults. In the end, Emil is said to grow up into a responsible and resourceful man, eventually becoming Chairman of the Village Council. Lindgren turned with equal success to the world of folklore, and in Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter, she let the undaunted Ronia and her friend Birk experience both the dangers and the beauty and mystique of an enchanted forest. This fantasy novel reflects Astrid’s Lindgren own fondness for nature and her belief that given love and freedom from oppression, children feel empowered, they mature, and good behavior takes care of itself. Lindgren has also challenged conservative codes of children’s literature in later works. Her novel The Brothers Lionheart brought up the taboo of the death and the doctrine of reincarnation. Mio, My Son, a classical story dealt with good and evil, which has sources from the Bible, folk tales, and lyric poetry. Lindgren received the gold medal of the Swedish Academy in 1971. The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, given for adolescent and children’s literature, was established in 2002. Lindgren had considerable public influence. Her constant concern with animal welfare was active in passing a new law in 1988 controlling factory farming, which put Sweden among the most developed countries on this issue. Lindgren’s humor and love for humanity was legendary. She represented the Swedish spirit for the rest of the world. She speaks out on behalf of living life against violence. Her books have put across loving relationships, liberation and fondness for nature. She passed away at the age of 94, after a very productive and artistic life.

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