Disclosure: I received this book to review. The post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are 100% mine.
Children’s literature has come to the forefront of today’s literary world. It’s wonderful that children are reading, but let’s not allow them to miss out on the heart-tickling stories of days past! Many classic characters have been passed up by recent generations in lieu of more mainstream books such as Junie B. Jones and Harry Potter. For example, did you know that Astrid Lindgren, the author who created the wonderful Pippi Longstocking, wrote many other delightful stories? I had the privilege of reading Rasmus and the Vagabond. I’d never heard of this story before reviewing it, and did I ever miss out! This is a book that you’ll want to read with the kids in your life.
The dear Rasmus is a character who will be instantly adored by readers! At a ripe nine years old, he decides to strike out on his own. Although I wasn’t an orphan, I distinctly remember my plan to run away when I was about nine. Lindgren’s imagery and imaginative language is a pleasure to savor on the tongue, just as Rasmus enjoyed a ham sandwich with milk as though it were the manna of heaven.
When Rasmus encounters and befriends a “vagabond,” the two take on the world. Thus, in my opinion, parents should read this book with their children. The world in which we live is so very different from the world that Rasmus experienced. Children must understand that Rasmus is a fictitious character and that it’s dangerous to venture off with strangers today. Perhaps this is too helicopter-parent of me, but that’s how I roll.
Did you read Rasmus and the Vagabond as a child?
About the author: Astrid Lindgren, the creator of Pippi Longstocking, Emil, and dozens of other world-famous characters, thrilled generations of children with her storytelling. She is the only children’s author with a literary prize, a theme park, a museum, a satellite, and a minor planet named in her honor. (After this last honor, she suggested changing her name to “Asteroid Lindgren.”) A jury appointed by Swedish Radio’s Culture Department to elect the “Author of the Millennium” voted Astrid Lindgren second after William Shakespeare. She was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal and heaps of other awards and honors.
I am a librarian and love books. I really enjoy reading to my grandkids, and I have never heard of this book.
An old favorite that I shared with my daughter. Lindgren’s novel, starring an orphan boy named Rasmus, is a wonderful adventure that takes me right back to my childhood nights, reading under my blanket with a flashlight. This is one book you ll want to read with your kids more than once.
I LOVED the Pippi Longstocking books (and movies) when I was a kid – I’d love to read something else by Pippi’s creator.
Enjoyed Pippi so know this would also have to be good. Thanks for the chance.
SOOUNDSLIKE A GOOD BOOK TO READ TO MY GRANDSON
Sounds like a good book.
I WOULD LIKE TO WIN THIS FOR MY GRANDSON
I know my son would really like reading about an adventurous little boy.
I WOULD LIKE TO WIN THIS FOR MY GRANDSON OR GRANDAUGHTER
I would like to read the work of Astrid Lindgren.
FOR MY GRANDKIDS
I love that this is about a 9 year old. I bet my son would love reading this. Definitely going to look this one up
I want to win this so I can have a nice story to read to my great niece and great nephew 🙂
I would like to win this book as I know my daughter would love it. I loved Pippi Stocking growing up and this sounds as much fun as those books were for me.
I want to read it with our granddaughter.
I didn’t read them, but I love introducing my kids and grandkids to the books I did read. It’s the Importance of Others Day, and this sounds like a book that goes with that. Reading together brings you together and gets you thinking of others.