On the warm, sunny day that we vis- "They don't speak each other's language, ited Astrid Lindgren's World, children but they all know the stories and characswarmed about the costumed characters ters." Thorstensson once met Lindgren from the books, watched performanc- (who had lived her adult years in Stockes with their parents, climbed through holm, but is buried in the local churchPippi's house, strolled the tiny streets, yard), recalling her as "a very nice, ordiplayed on swing sets, slides, and in favor- nary, simple person, humble, very kind ite replica storybook scenes. One small girl intently read one of Lindgren's books as she sat in a wagon, pulled by her mom and dad. Another girl, about 3, was dressed like Pippi, red braided wig and all, as she walked hand-in-hand with her mother. When the "real" Pippi appeared, children immediately flocked around her. One little girl stepped up to hand her a drawing she had done. Parents--many who had come here themselves as youngsters--clamored to take photos to the kids. She was a humanitarian and of their children with Pippi. Even grand- ahead of her time." parents toured the area with their grandchildren, as Lindgren's children's stories Astrid Lindgren's Nas—a nearby culture cross several generations of book lovers. centre, which includes her childhood home and exhibit hall with historic ex"It's interesting to see German and Swed- hibits related to her life and work, was ish children playing here together," ob- opened by Swedish Crown Princess Vicserved our guide Christina Thorstensson. toria in 2007. 50 Wine Dine & Travel Summer/Fall 2015
One of Sweden's most beloved, prolific authors, Lindgren, who died in Stockholm at age 94 in 2002, was born in an 18th-century red farmhouse and spent happy childhood years in the yellow house next door (and which resembles Pippi's Villa Villekulla). There's also the huge elm tree that Lindgren climbed as a child, immortalized as Pippi's lemonade tree. Lindgren based many of her stories on her loving, carefree upbringing. In a short film she talks about the "magical, sensual nature, the security and freedom of childhood" and notes that "children can work miracles when they read." Including the Pippi series, Lindgren's books have sold a Top: Astrid Lindgren’s World, opened in 1981, is Sweden’s largest open-air theme park. Nearly half a million visitors toured it in 2014. Bottom: Every little girl who visits Astrid Lindgren’s World wants to buy a Pippi doll--or a red pigtailed wig! Opposite: Photo of Astrid Lindgren. Above photos by Sharon Whitley Larsen