In a broader conversation about cancellation culture, Annika Lindgren interprets her grandmother Astrid Lindgren’s work through a lens of political correctness. She argues that Pippi Longstocking is needed now more than ever, expressing optimism about a new era for the iconic character. Esther Rubio, editor of Kokinos and a devoted admirer of the Swedish writer, joins the discussion with a clear mission: to defend the core values that underpin stories about children and animals while inviting today’s audiences to engage with them thoughtfully.
Rubio attended a gathering at the Swedish embassy in Spain on a recent Wednesday, accompanied by Annika Lindgren. The granddaughter of Pippi Longstocking has long helped shape a repertoire of beloved games and narratives that have sparked imaginations around the world for decades. Annika recalls a remarkable woman who was also a loving grandmother, someone who climbed trees and believed in letting children stay children. She holds that Pippi Longstocking was the first truly fearless girl to push boundaries, a portrayal that sometimes challenged grownups but always honored the creative rights of young readers.
Annika Lindgren notes that her grandmother was deeply interested in how children think. Astrid Lindgren’s enduring ambition, she explains, was to empower children with strength and confidence, a goal that guided many of her stories and characters.
According to Annika, Pippi Longstocking was never meant to be copied or imitated. She was, and remains, a character who invites affection and friendship, a companion that makes life feel more lively and adventurous for youngsters and adults alike.
The language in Astrid Lindgren’s tales—bold, mischievous, and sometimes provocative—has evolved in response to shifting social norms. The conversation around these works continues to unfold as communities debate how literature should reflect modern values while preserving the spirit of the originals. Annika Lindgren has described a careful approach that addresses passages that may be interpreted as racist by today’s standards, while preserving the essence of the stories that resonate with generations of readers.
With thoughtful revisions, Pippi’s world adapts without erasing its core charm. For instance, the scene in which Pippi is referred to by a historical title is softened, and a moment that relied on a stereotype is reconsidered to avoid perpetuating harm. Annika emphasizes that her grandmother would never intend to wound anyone, especially children, and that contemporary updates aim to honor that intent.
Pippi Longstocking remains a symbol in the collective imagination of many generations. She stands as a rebellious and transformative figure who defined a new kind of girlhood for her era. Even after nearly eight decades, the character continues to spark reflection and wonder, inviting new readers to share the adventures that have captivated families worldwide.
One of the major voices in Swedish literature and children’s books
Astrid Lindgren is celebrated as a towering figure in Swedish literature and in the world of children’s books. Her distinctive voice, with fresh and archetypal characters, helped shape storytelling across cultures. The blend of personal experience and universal themes created a prolific body of work that has found readers in more than fifty countries. Clean, honest storytelling and a knack for combining humor with heart have left a lasting imprint on the reading habits of children and adults alike.
Among Lindgren’s enduring titles are Emil’s Jokes, The Lionhearted Brothers, and Mine, My Dear. These works have seen editions reissued after years of being out of print, thanks to renewed interest from publishers and a new generation of readers who are rediscovering the author’s timeless humor and warmth. The publishing house Kokinos has played a pivotal role in reintroducing these stories to bookstores, ensuring that classic adventures remain accessible in modern markets.
One of Astrid Lindgren’s later works includes a collaborative project inspired by the fairy tale Rogue Girl Ronia. This book features a rich set of illustrations and storytelling that illustrate how Lindgren’s narratives continue to inspire visual artists and writers. The Japanese studio Studio Ghibli has brought a distinctive style to adaptations of Lindgren’s stories, with Hayao Miyazaki’s team shaping visual interpretations that audiences around the world recognize. Plans for a series of comic adaptations of Ronia are in development, underscoring the ongoing expansion of Lindgren’s legacy across media and cultures.