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Pippi Longstocking, the 9-year-old, red haired hero of children’s books, turned 75 on May 21, 2020.

Pippi Longstocking first came to life in 1941, when Astrid Lindgren’s daughter Karin was sick in bed for a long time. Karin suddenly said to her, “Tell me about Pippi Longstocking, Mum.”

Ms. Lindgren’s stories were about a wild but good-hearted young girl. She lived by herself in a house called Villa Villekulla. She lived with her horse and her monkey. But three years later, Ms. Lindgren began to write down the stories she had told her daughter. When she finished her book, she sent it to a famous publisher( 出版社 ), but the book was refused.

Ms. Lindgren kept working on the book. In 1945, Ms. Lindgren entered her book in a competition. Pippi Longstocking won first prize, and the book came out in November. Pippi Longstocking was quickly a hit with young readers. They laughed at her jokes, and admired her bravery. Who wouldn’t love a girl strong enough to lift a horse, and willing to risk her life to save children in a burning building? Some adults felt like Pippi set a bad example to children. Pippi didn’t go to school. She lived by herself, and only followed   the rules she liked. But with time, Pippi’s good heart won over readers of all ages.

Ms. Lindgren wrote many other books, including over 30 books for children. The three Pippi Longstocking books have been translated into over 75 languages.

So why is Pippi’s birthday celebrated on May 21? May 21 is the birthday of Ms. Lindgren’s daughter Karin, who first requested the stories all those years ago.