The idea of living and surviving in a world without adults has always been popular with children. Imagining doing your own things, eating whatever you want to, going to bed whenever you want; it’s all so appealing to children when they feel that their lives are dominated by rules and adults. The theme has hence has been used many times in children’s literature and film and television.

My favorite story of a self-sustainable child was always Pippi Longstocking, first published in 1945; the gorgeous red headed Swedish nine year old.

‘She had no mother or father, which was actually quite nice, because it meant that no one could tell her that she had to go to bed just when she was having most fun. And no one could make her take cod liver oil when she would rather eat sweets.’

Pippi is fun, warm, loyal and unusual. She is financially independent because she owns a suitcase of gold pieces. She can shoot a revolver and sail on the seven seas. She can carry a horse, outsmart burglars, she owns a monkey and she can outlift the strongest man in the world. Her house is Villa Villekulla and her friends are her neighbours; brother and sister Tommy and Annika.

Apart from being an outrageously fun character Pippi also has always represented to me a strong female role model. Although it has been noted that author Astrid Lindgren did not intend Pippi to have a feminist agenda, I do have to attribute to Pippi my love of strong female characters in my reading. Pippi is not pretty, she’s tough and acts on impulse, some may call her a tomboy and as a somewhat shy child I relished and admired all her qualities.

‘The light from inside the house fell all around her. There she stood with her red plaits sticking straight out. She was wearing her pappa’s nightshirt, which dragged around her feet. In one hand she held the pistol and in the other the sword. She used the sword to present arms.’

Pippi has been translated into 91 languages and in 2007 was published with illustrations by the beautiful Lauren Child. In that edition Lauren had this to say about Pippi…

‘I suppose the real key to Pippi is that she is an entirely free spirit; she is a girl who is both exciting and funny, refreshing to encounter even after all these years.’

There is also a really lovely illustrated collection of the three Pippi books illustrated by Michael Chesworth.

You can stay at Astrid Lindgren world and there is an online shop where I thought this little skirt was pretty cute …

The largest prize for services to children’s literature in the world has been named in Astrid Lindgren’s memory (Lindgren died in 2002). It is awarded to a body of work by authors, illustrators, storytellers or promoters of reading. Australia’s Sonya Hartnett received the award in 2008.

While writing this post I have been thinking about the other strong female characters that shaped my world. Here are some I came up with but I’d love to hear about the female characters in others’ lives.

The Paper Bag Princess – Robert N. Munsch – Princess Elizabeth is the ultimate in strong characters. I couldn’t resist the fact that she tells the prince where to go. Who needs an ungrateful Prince who only wants you when you look pretty?

Judy Woolcot – Seven Little Australians -  This novel first published in 1894 absolutely devastated me and I have never ever forgotten it. Judy and her six brothers and sisters have a violent and distant father and a step mother who has no idea what to do with them. Although Judy often inspires mischief in her siblings she is also incredibly strong willed and protective.

Matilda – Roland Dahl - I have already mentioned that I loved the Matilda movie version. Matilda is smart and incredibly patient, especially with her horrible parents. In classic Dahl style he gives Matilda, the child, all the power in this book.