Pippi on the Run

Pippi on the Run by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

Pippi on the Run is shorter than the other Pippi Longstocking books and was likely adapted from the movie of the same name. Tommy, Annika and Pippi decide to run away from home. They start out with a horse, by the horse ends up leaving them. They travel by foot, on top of a train, and even in a hay loft. At one point, Pippi floats down a river and over a waterfall in a barrel. They hang out with a guy in abandoned house and have times begging for food. Pippi showcases her strength a bravery numerous times. Eventually they return home. Tommy and Annika are happy to see them. They do not seem to be phased that they were gone for a few days. But, hey, this is Pippi, you need to suspend disbelief and just go on for the ride.

Pippi Goes on Board

Pippi Goes on Board by Astrid Lindgren, translated by Susan Beard

Pippi continues her wackiness in the second book in Pippi Longstocking series. She is prone to telling exotic yarns. However, she will catch herself and then spin it to the truth, only to make an even more elaborate story. However, many of the seemingly elaborate tales seem to have some truth. She has plenty of gold coins and little regard for money. She goes shopping with her friends and buys candy and toys for all the children in town. She uses strength to throw bullies around and get them to stop their cruel activities. She takes her friends to an island to be "shipwrecked". Am empty bottle is important so they can write a message. They write one, but nobody rescues them, so they go home. Her dad appears near the end. He is the king of an island and comes back. Pippi is at the point of going with him, but at the last minute she decides to stay in town. Her dad throws her a new bag of gold coins before she leaves. The book straddles the realm between real and imaginary with things just believable enough.

Pippi in the South Seas

Pippi in the South Seas by Astrid Lindgren, translated by Gerry Bothmer

A city slicker sees a sign for Villa Villekulla and thinks it must be a house for sale. He wants to buy it and rid it of the children there. Alas, he discovers that Pippi is in fact the owner. Later Pippi's father returns and they get to go on an adventure ot the south seas. They met some friends, but also run into people that want to steal from them. Alas, things never turn out well for thieves with Pippi. In this book most of the community accepts Pippi for her uniqueness, but others in the world are still discovering her charm. It is a fairly good extension, but not as rich as the original.

Pippi Longstocking

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren translated by Susan Beard

Pippi Longstocking is a little girl that lives in a big house all alone. Her mother has died and her father is out sailing the seas. She is able to take care of herself with a child's innocence and desires. She has a money and a large quantity of gold. When some robbers try to take the gold, she talks with them nicely and accepts their "stories", but is not a pushover and does not let them get it. She is quite strong and can defeat strong people. She has not had formal education and does not do well in the local school. She is just a fun girl for other kids to be with. (Though she can be annoying at times. One kid asks if she has seen her dad. She gives detailed descriptions that match him - then says she hasn't seen him.) She does occasionally tell lies, but then admits that she is lying. The book is loaded with many funny anecdotes.