Astrid Lindgren

Astrid Anna Emilia Ericsson was born on November 14, 1907, at the Näs farm near Vimmerby, Småland. Inventing whimsical stories for her bedridden daughter Karin during World War II, she created the immortal character of Pippi Longstocking (Pippi Långstrump)—the world's strongest girl with red braids, mismatched stockings, and fearless independence.

Published in 1945, Pippi revolutionized children's literature by treating children with radical respect, emotional freedom, and anti-authoritarian warmth. Lindgren authored dozens of classics, including Emil of Lönneberga, Mio, My Son, and The Brothers Lionheart. In 1979, receiving the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, her speech against corporal punishment inspired Sweden to become the first country in the world to ban physical violence against children. Her image graces the Swedish 20 kronor banknote.