ASTRID LINDGREN
G'day guys,
Welcome to a feature on a famous author who has left a wonderful legacy - ASTRID LINDGREN.
14 November 1907 – 28 January 2002, was a Swedish writer
of fiction and screenplays. She is best known for children's book series
featuring Pippi Longstocking, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, and the Six Bullerby
Children.
Astrid Lindgren is a Swedish born author. She 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. Her early childhood was spent with
cows and discovering hidden forest paths. 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, they were nurtured into
storytelling; and were taught how to use their imagination and creativity in
the world of Literature. Her childhood years were full of love and laughter,
which came from her parents. The laughter extended more in the games that
Astrid played with her three siblings, Gunnar, Stina and Ingegerd. Many of the
settings and characters in Astrid’s books can be traced back to her own
childhood.
As an author, she had a certain 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. A number of people objected to this character as she was
portrayed to be dangerous.
Her debut in writing was made at a time when women
were mostly involved with domestic work or engaged in stuff like embroidery.
Astrid disregarded the barriers that came her way and went straight to strike
for what she believed in. Pippi jumped right into the world of boys and
grown-ups without any permission. She was bold and 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.
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, min
Mio, a classical story dealt with good and evil, which has sources from the
Bible, folk tales, and lyric poetry.
Lindgren had considerable public influence, however, she
used it scarcely. 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.
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
Authors, illustrators, oral storytellers and those active in reading promotion may be rewarded. The award is designed to promote interest in children’s and young adult literature, and in children’s rights, globally. An expert jury selects the winners from candidates nominated by institutions and organisations worldwide.
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is administered by the Swedish Arts Council.
Quotes:
"If I have managed to brighten up even one gloomy childhood – then I’m satisfied."
"You can put things in a book that o n l y children are amused by. You can certainly also have in it things that both children and adults enjoy, but you must never put things in a children’s book that amuse only adults. That would be rude to the child – who is going to read the book."
"I want to write for a readership that can create miracles. Children create miracles when they read. That’s why children need books."The School Library (March, 1958). Astrid was asked now and then if she wasn’t going to start writing “real” books soon.
"Everything great that ever happened in this world happened first in somebody’s imagination."
"And we played and played and played. It’s a wonder we didn’t play ourselves to death!"
"Give the children love, more love and still more love – and the common sense will come by itself."Astrid Lindgren’s comment in a debate concerning children’s rights
Clancy's comment: What an extraordinary woman for her times. I know of at least one Australian author who has won her memorial award. Mm ... I'd be more than comfortable if I won it. It is worth $1,000,000 AUD.
Go, Astrid! Pax vobiscum.
I'm ...
Think about this!
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