'Pippi Longstocking' Author Dies at 94

Writer Astrid Lindgren, creator of the popular Pippi Longstocking books, died in her sleep at her Stockholm home on January 28. She was 94. Pippi Longstocking, the story of a sassy girl who had red braids and freckles—along with many adventures—was first published in Swedish in 1945, and later in English in 1950.

Fans of Lindgren have been enchanted with her books for generations. But they may not have know that the Swedish author was just as mischievous, independent, and irrepressible as her famous creation, Pippi Longstocking.

Lindgren wrote more than 100 picture books, poems, short stories, plays, screenplays, and novels. In 1958, she received the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Medal for her contribution to children's literature.