Sunday, 1 April 2012

A is for Astrid Lindgren

Hi newcomers, welcome to my blog :) My posts during this challenge will be Nordic-themed and I very much hope you enjoy them :) I'm beginning this morning with A for Astrid Lindgren:


"En barndom utan böcker, det vore ingen barndom. Det vore att vara utestängd från det förtrollade landet, där man kan hämta den sällsammaste av all glädje.”

-       “A childhood without books would be no childhood. It would be like being shut out from the enchanted place where you can go and find the rarest kind of joy.”


Astrid Lindgren was a Swedish Author, born in 1907 and most popularly known for her stories of Pippi Longstocking, a character she had invented whilst taking care of her daughter, who was very unwell at the time.


Have you read any of her books? I read the Pippi Longstocking stories as a child and am currently reading “Mio, min Mio” (English title: Mio, My Son) and Madicken. The thing that I love most about these stories, is their simplicity. Lindgren takes simple childhood activities and turns them into great adventures.


Mio min mio is the story of a young boy who is being looked after by a horrible elderly couple. One day, a genie takes him to a land far, far away, where he finds his real father, the king. However, beyond this far away land is another place, where an evil knight resides. This knight has been stealing children and it is Mio’s destiny to fight him. Lindgren builds a beautiful world in the telling of this tale. It is both sad and moving but also fills the reader with hope. The storyline might sound like a typical ‘kid gets adopted by awful people, escapes and finds his real father, who happens to be a hero” but Lindgren brings so much more to the story than that. All of her stories can be found in English translation and I recommend them whole-heartedly, not only for children, but for adults too! 

Astrid Lindgren truly did create that “enchanted place where you can go and find the rarest kind of joy”.


Just look at her, she was so very sweet! I’d love her to be my grandmother! Did you know that an asteroid that was discovered in 1978 was named after Astrid Lindgren? It is called the 3204 Lindgren and after it was named, Astrid Lindgren joked, “From now on you can address me Asteroid Lindgren!” Adorable!


(PS: Please let me know if my text size is too small. As a fellow glasses-wearer, I know it can be annoying to read teeny-tiny text!)

(pictures lovingly taken from here, here, here & here) 

inspire nordic
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Location: Umeå, Sweden

75 comments:

  1. amandamarzolini1 April 2012 at 11:42

    hello darling thanks for your comment!
    you too post lovely things!
    i love pippi, when i was a child i've seen the whole tv episodes!
    have a lovely nordic day nikky:))
    amy

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 08:58

      You're welcome! Thank you for your sweet comment :) Have a lovely Nordic day too Amy!

      Delete
  2. Lisa1 April 2012 at 11:58

    Oh I love her face and I feel I would love her stories.

    Hi, very nice to meet you Nikki. I thought the font was small but I could read it easy and clear.

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 09:01

      I'm glad to hear that, I'm trying to get it a little bigger but I'm struggling with the format a little. But I'm glad it's clear and easy to read, anyways.

      I really recommend reading her stories, they're so cozy :)

      Delete
  3. Anonymous1 April 2012 at 14:37

    Thanks so much, I just followed back!:X

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  4. S.B. Stewart-Laing1 April 2012 at 14:48

    OMG, I loved those books so much as a kid.
    Glad I found your blog-- I enjoy Scandinavian culture as well.

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  5. Unknown1 April 2012 at 15:13

    Nikki, so nice to meet you and what a wonderful blog you have. As a child ( and sometimes as an adult) I would love to go and enchanted place and shut out the rest of the word.... Am a new follower. Thanks

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 09:02

      It's nice to meet you too :) Thank you for your kind comment. The enchanted place is a wonderful place to escape to now and then, isn't it :)

      Delete
  6. Tyrean Martinson1 April 2012 at 15:15

    Love this post!!! I didn't know all that about "Asteroid" Lindgren. She sounds like she was a wonderful woman.
    Glad I found your blog, and thanks for stopping by mine!
    http://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 09:18

      Thank you :) I didn't know until I started researching, this was a really fun post to write! I'm glad I found your blog too :)

      Delete
  7. Melissa1 April 2012 at 15:25

    Found your blog through the challenge! i look forward to following along! :)

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  8. Rob Z Tobor1 April 2012 at 15:29

    Good luck with the A to Z .........Will be back to see how things are going in a few more letters

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  9. Precy Larkins1 April 2012 at 15:52

    Very cool! I've only read the Pippi Longstocking series, when I was a child.

    Good luck with the challenge! And thanks for visiting my blog and following me. Following you back 'cause you're cool beans. :D

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 09:20

      Thank you!

      Good luck to you too. I'm coming to visit you now!

      Delete
  10. Laura Clipson1 April 2012 at 15:57

    Someone called me Pippi Longstocking at work the other day because I had my hair in plaits! Awesome post, it sounds like she was a really good author, I'll have to read some of her stuff :)

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 09:21

      Aww! I get that sometimes too. Thank you for your sweet post, since your into fairytales and children's literature, I really recommend reading her work, I think you'd love it!

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  11. Andi1 April 2012 at 16:25

    I loved Pippi Longstocking! I have fond memories of reading the books with my grandmother. Thank you for bringing those back to me. :-)

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 09:35

      You're very welcome, I'm glad you got some nice memories :)

      Delete
  12. Nicole McLaughlin1 April 2012 at 16:39

    LOVED Pippi as a child. I loved this reminder. I love that your into Scandinavian things. Do you live there? I've been to Sweden and Finland and absolutely loved them both!

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 09:37

      Thank you for your sweet comment. I live in Oslo at the moment - I'm on an exchange there, so have been living there since August. My boyfriend is Swedish so I spend a lot of my time in Sweden too. I'm glad you loved your visits to Scandinavia! I hope you will like what you read here :)

      Delete
  13. Cat Lavoie1 April 2012 at 16:39

    I love that quote about childhood and books. It's so true! I used to watch Pippi Longstocking when I was a kid (she was called Fifi Brindacier in French.) Thanks for introducing me to the woman behind it all! :)

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 09:37

      I didn't know that! Fifi Bridacier sounds cute :)

      You're very welcome.

      Delete
  14. beccabooklover1 April 2012 at 17:06

    Great post! Love the quote at the top of the page. Just so true. That book sounds lovely too :)

    Here's my first post for the challenge!
    http://lostinthought-becca.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/is-for-aragorn-and-arwen.html

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 09:38

      I'm glad you liked it, I'm coming to visit you right now :)

      Delete
  15. Catherine Stine1 April 2012 at 17:55

    Hi, I LOVED Pippi Longstocking as a kid. She was the most independent character with great pluck. So interesting to hear more about the author, to see a photo of her. I'll have to read more of her work!

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 10:03

      You should :) I loved her too, she was a great character. Thank you for your comment!

      Delete
  16. Hold my hand: a social worker's blog1 April 2012 at 18:11

    Nice post, really lovely.

    Interesting that some of the stories for children portrait elderly people as "evil"-- I guess I didn't think about it until now. As a geriatric social worker, I am too biased here...lol I love old people too much :-)

    Nikki, thank you for stopping by my blog and for your kind comment.

    Looking forward to more of your posts!

    Doris

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 10:05

      Thank you very much! I know what you mean, elderly people should be portrayed as sweet and gentle but there are often evil great auties or wicked old witches! Watch out for them!

      You are very welcome, I will be visiting you again today to read more :)

      Delete
  17. Jaycee DeLorenzo1 April 2012 at 18:44

    Loved Pippi Longstocking when I was growing up!

    Happy A-Zing!

    My A-Z!

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  18. denitza1 April 2012 at 18:59

    HI :)
    I'm so so happy that I found your blog :) 1st because you'll be blogging about nordic stuff and 2nd because I love Astrid Lindgren.
    I've grown up with Karlsson, Pippi, and Ronja. Actually, lately I was thinking to reread them, but this time in english or danish (my native language is bulgarian).
    see you around in the A to Z challenge
    greetings from Denmark

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 10:38

      Hi, thank you for your wonderful comment! I'm glad to hear that you are a fan of Astrid Lindgren :) I will be visiting you in a second!

      Delete
  19. Unknown1 April 2012 at 19:10

    :-) Nice to "meet" you! Great idea for a Nordic theme. looking forward to reading more from you.

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  20. Rob and Lisa1 April 2012 at 19:19

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. Rob and Lisa1 April 2012 at 19:20

      I loved Pippi Longstocking as a kid. Good luck with the challenge.

      Lisa

      Delete
  21. Ermie1 April 2012 at 19:30

    Wow! Pippi Longstocking! I remember her - didn't she sleep with her head under the covers and her feet on the pillow or something?

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 10:38

      I think so, I'm going to reread the Pippi Longstocking books next, I think :)

      Delete
  22. Anonymous1 April 2012 at 19:49

    I like that quote! I don't know what I would do without books.

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  23. Bethie1 April 2012 at 20:06

    With my red hair I often am Pipi Longstocking for Halloween. It's great that here in Louisiana kids still know who she is. Technology is nice, but when the electricity is out you can still turn on a book. Great post.

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 10:40

      That's so sweet, I kind of long for red hair, it's very pretty. I hadn't realised how popular/well known she is, it's lovely to hear! I like the way you say "you can still turn on a book", that's a lovely thought :) Thank you for your kind comment!

      Delete
  24. Rivorynee 1 April 2012 at 20:58

    Hi Nikki how are you doing! Nice book you introducing there, it shall be in my reading list! And yes, I put the falling easter eggs for the season! Good Friday's coming real soon~ :D

    p.s I think Nikki is not the original name you used right? Hence I couldn't find you in my follow list for quite sometimes! Miss reading your posts so much xx have a nice day!x

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 10:58

      Hey! I'm doing well, thank you. This challenge is keeping me very busy. You must read it, I'm sure you will love it :)

      You're right, I had my name on here saved as 'inspire nordic' the same as my blog name. But it didn't feel so friendly not having a proper name. Nikki is my real name :) Sorry that you had trouble finding me, but I'm glad you did in the end! Have a nice day too, sweetie xo

      Delete
  25. MunirGhiasuddin1 April 2012 at 21:08

    She looks adorable. I would like her to be my grandmother as well although both my grandmothers were adorable as well.

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 10:58

      I think all grandmothers have a certain degree of adorability :)

      Delete
  26. Stuart Lloyd1 April 2012 at 21:25

    Hi Nikki, thanks for visiting my blog. I'm fascinated to see what your Nordic themed posts will be about :).

    Stuart

    Lloyd of Gamebooks virtualfantsies.blogspot.com

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  27. Melee1 April 2012 at 21:30

    Though I've never read anything else by Astrid Lindgren, I love her Pippi books! They were some of my favourites as a child. I love the quotes by her you included. :)

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  28. Along the Way with JnK1 April 2012 at 22:04

    This A to Z Challenge is going to be fun and have already learned something new. Never heard of Astrid Lindgren, but thanks to your blog we now know a little about her.

    Thanks for visiting our blog and leaving a comment.

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  29. Along the Way with JnK1 April 2012 at 22:08

    This A to Z Challenge is going to be so much fun and we look forward to reading much more.

    Thank you for visiting our blog and commenting. We look forward to reading all about your Nordic Theme, hope you continue to follow our Full Time RV Travel Theme.

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 10:59

      I'm pleased to hear that you learned something. I was happy to have found your blog and will definitely be following you!

      Delete
  30. Lynn Proctor1 April 2012 at 22:55

    i remember after one of my daughters watched the pippi longstockings movie she wanted to dress like pippi for about a year-- great blog

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  31. KT1 April 2012 at 23:30

    Great blog and post! I'll be sure to be checking back some more (as I, too, really like Scandinavian culture).

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 11:10

      I'm really glad to hear it. My theme for the A - Z is Nordic, so I'm sure there will be some posts here you'd like :)

      Delete
  32. The Writing Goddess2 April 2012 at 00:07

    Hi Nikki - wouldn't mind *slightly* bigger font on your page.

    Nice to hear all about Astrid - I mean, Asteroid - Lundgren.

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 11:11

      Hey! I'm working on getting it bigger. It seems in this format I'm only allowed to choose between little tiny mouse writing or great big giant writing. I'm experimenting to find something in between :)

      Delete
  33. Lauren2 April 2012 at 00:13

    I read all the Pippi Longstocking books when I was younger. My favorite was Pippi and the South Seas. :)

    Lovely blog, by the way! I'll be looking forward to your upcoming posts.

    - Lauren @ Word Art

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 11:12

      Thank you very much :) I'll look out for that one, since I'm not sure I've read the entire collection!

      Delete
  34. Anonymous2 April 2012 at 00:29

    I was introduced to Pippi Longstocking by my third grade teacher. Every afternoon she read to us while we rested. Pippi was a favorite of mine.

    Enjoyed the blog...

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  35. Sherry Ellis2 April 2012 at 00:42

    What a cool blog! I am part Norwegian. In fact, I still have relatives in Iceland. Very interesting stuff! I'm looking forward to reading more posts.

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 11:23

      Thank you for your comment, I'm jealous of you having Icelandic relatives, have you ever been there?

      Delete
  36. Adrienne2 April 2012 at 02:53

    This was fascinating! I'll have to find those books for my girls. I think they would enjoy them.

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    1. Nikki2 April 2012 at 11:24

      I definitely recommend them, all of Lindgren's stories are so lovely in my opinion!

      Delete
  37. Anonymous2 April 2012 at 03:17

    Hello, an educational piece. Will continue to drop by to see what B, C, D....Z has in store. :)

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    1. umbrellalady2 April 2012 at 05:03

      I loved the Pippi Longstocking stories as a child and still as an adult. They were delightful! Thank you for this wonderful reminder of such a wonderful author and her writings!

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    2. Nikki2 April 2012 at 11:24

      Thank you both :)

      Delete
  38. Unknown2 April 2012 at 12:29

    this is a most fascinating post! i love pippi! and, i follow your blog now as well...off to look at your B post about botanical gardens, another of my favorites!

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  39. jabblog2 April 2012 at 14:01

    It is a real art to write well for children.

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  40. Lisa Evans2 April 2012 at 16:04

    Thanks for joining my blog! Interesting blog you have here! Cheers!

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  41. Cherie Reich2 April 2012 at 19:57

    I love that quote, and I used to read Pippi Longstocking!

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  42. Angie2 April 2012 at 22:21

    I save that quote; wonderful! Love Pippi Longstocking!

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  43. Alicia Willette-Cook3 April 2012 at 00:54

    One of my All Time Favorite Books as a child. I thought I was Pippi growing up...I think it drove my parents nuts. :)

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  44. Dana3 April 2012 at 02:52

    I love Pippi Longstocking! Thanks for bringing back such great childhood memories. :)

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  45. Deniz Bevan4 April 2012 at 00:26

    Ooh, what a wonderful idea for an A-Z theme. I love Lindgren's Pippi Longstocking books; I should make it a point to read more of her stories. I hadn't known about that asteroid, what a neat thing!

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