Pippi Longstocking

Defying Expectations/Perspective Shift

Pippi is a childhood favorite of mine. She’s the stuff of legends, a regular tall tale of miniature proportions. She’s the kind of character that you enjoy suspending disbelief in, if for no other reason than the pure joy of watching her defy expectations. Imagining Pippi as anything other than who she seems even more ridiculous than accepting her for the unbelievable urchin she is. She is strong enough (in every possible way) to endure anything life throws at her and is non-plussed by what sends everyone else into spasms of despair. She’s a nine-year old dynamo.

The reason I like Pippi Longstocking most is that her character is a case study in perpendicular or orthogonal thinking. That, I believe, is the biggest reason children should read (or be read to) stories about Pippi Longstocking.¹

Astrid Lindgren’s tales with Pippi Longstocking offer ample opportunity to incorporate other areas of learning/bonding with the kiddos in your life. The story also pairs well with Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie.²

Culinary Inspirations

Swedish Pancakes

Pepparkakor

Rhubarb Pudding

Caramel³

Swallow’s Nest

Swedish Buns

Collecting Mushrooms

Pineapple Pudding

Swedish Meatballs

Schottische Dance

Games

Sardines (essentially stuffing yourself into a tiny spot, preferably with more than one person)

Playing the Comb

Playing the Comb with Paper

Adult Swedish/Nordic

Coming Soon: Nordic Self-Care⁴

Adult Beverage from my one of favorite chefs:

HE COOKS.™

Orange Wine Glögg with Apples

1. I wrote about another of Pippi’s stories by Astrid Lindgren here: Reveling in Pippidom

2. Post on Peter Pan here.

3. Check out Danielle Walker’s Substack for a

Diary Free Caramel Dip: https://substack.com/home/post/p-157027740

4. Nordic Self-Care