PIPPI IN THE SOUTH SEAS

PIPPI IN THE SOUTH SEAS by Astrid Lindgren

Spunky, outgoing Pippi Longstocking is at her antics again in Pippi in the South Seas by Astrid Lindgren. After reading the first book in the series, Callie could not wait to get her hands on the continuing adventures. After living a while at Villa Villekulla, a letter arrives from Pippi's father, King Efraim Longstocking, announcing his arrival to take her to Kurrekurredutt Island, where he is king, for a visit. The adventures wouldn't be complete without Pippi's best friends and neighbors, Tommy and Annika. Their parents graciously allow them to go (my motherly brain says "what are their parents thinking?"). That's when the real adventures begin with sharks, thieves, and huge pearls used for playing marbles by the island children. If you enjoyed Pippi Longstocking or if you have read all the Ramona books and are looking for something similar to jump into, this book will not disappoint!

An interesting side note I learned about Astrid Lindgren, the author - she married, became a mother of a boy and girl, and was an editor in a Swedish publishing house. When her seven-year-old daughter became sick with pneumonia, she asked her mother to tell her a story about someone named Pippi Longstocking, and the young heroine was born. Three years later, when Astrid Lindgren hurt her leg and had to stay in bed, she wrote the stories down, and Pippi Longstocking became known worldwide.

ALONGSIDE ACTIVITY- Haha - on this one do the opposite of everything Pippi does!

HEADS UP - Pippi is tremendous fun, but sometimes you have to have the talk about what we really do in serious situations! One that I did address with Callie is at the end of the book none of the children want to ever grow up. Pippi gives them each a pill that will supposedly keep that from happening. They look suspiciously like peas, but I still had the discussion that we NEVER take medicine from our friends!