Pippi Goes to the Circus

Pippi Långstrump

by Astrid Lindgren, Michael Chesworth (Illustrator)

Step aside, ringmaster. Pippi's in charge! Pippi Longstocking has her own special way of doing things. When she goes to the circus, she doesn't just watch--she takes over! She stands on the back of a trotting horse, does spectacular tricks on the tightrope, and lifts the strongest man in the world over her head. You've never seen a circus like this before!


"Pippi Longstocking...has inspired generations of children with her spunk and power." -- Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fantasy, Adventure, Swedish Literature, Scandinavian Literature

32 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

About the author

Astrid Anna Emilia Lindgren, née Ericsson, (1907 - 2002) was a Swedish children's book author and screenwriter, whose many titles were translated into 85 languages and published in more than 100 countries. She has sold roughly 165 million copies worldwide. Today, she is most remembered for writing the Pippi Longstocking books, as well as the Karlsson-on-the-Roof book series.

Awards:
Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (1958)

Reviews

[Ian J. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a devoted Astrid Lindgren fan since childhood, and Pippi Goes to the Circus is another perfect reminder of why Pippi Longstocking has stayed with me for life.

In this story, Pippi, Tommy, and Annika head to the circus, where the world of performers, strongmen, and spectacle quickly discovers that Pippi doesn’t play by anyone else’s rules. What starts as innocent curiosity turns into classic Pippi chaos, especially when she casually outperforms the adults who take themselves far too seriously. The circus may think it knows strength, courage, and showmanship—but Pippi quietly rewrites all of it.

What I love most here is Pippi’s fearless confidence. She never seeks to humiliate others, but she also refuses to shrink herself to make adults comfortable. Lindgren’s humor is sharp and kind at the same time, gently poking at ego, authority, and the idea that grown-ups always know best.

I’ve read the Pippi books countless times, in both English and German, and returning to them always feels like stepping back into childhood for a while. This one, in particular, is light, playful, and deeply comforting—a small reminder that joy, imagination, and a bit of rebellion can make the world feel wider and warmer again.

[Judy Tarver · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of the Pippi adventures I read as a child were great. I enjoyed some more than others but I enjoyed every single one and all of them are entertaining and worth reading. I spent many hours as a child reading and re-reading this series as a child and had a lot of fun and couldn’t wait to read the next one.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excerpt from the original “Pippi Longstocking” book with hilarious illustrations that bring the story to life!
It’s a great way to introduce Pippi to younger readers, who may not have the attention span to read the entire Pippi books.

[Ruth Paszkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as I remember, but i preferred reading the stories together in the full books.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pippi was always just the kind of girl little me wanted to be...

[elstaffe]

Cute illustrations but I prefer my head canon. Good for young readers who don't want all-text books, though!

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, fun, enjoyable book!

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 STARS! Rereading my favorite childrens books to feel whole again. I love & adore Pippa & her fun adventures. A great read for small & big kids (at heart).

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always loved Pippi Longstocking, despite the rather horrifying things (from a modern perspective) that happen in the stories, like strange men threatening to spank little children. We checked out this picture book version of a chapter from one of the books we own, but I liked it less this way. I think mostly it was the illustrations in this version, they just didn't work with the version I have in my head.

[Melly * · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely pictures, exciting stories! Always love Pippi Longstocking's stories!

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not like the sequels as well as the orginal story, but you get hooked, and this is a good story

[Rooiuyt · Rating 3 out of 5]

v bvu] lk;

[Sarah Knudsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oceanaya loves Pippi Longstocking!

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't so awesome because it was only one chapter out of the real Pippi Longstocking book.

[Andrea Labonte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Pippi Longstockings and if you do too you would love this book. Go on another adventure with Pippi and find out what crazy and silly things she does this time.

[Ilyse Ang · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a funny book and I enjoyed reading it very much.

[Ilsa Ang · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an interesting book which never fails to amuse me.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok

POP SUGAR CHALLENGE NOTES:
- a book written in another language (in this case Swedish)

[Byurakn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pippi is one of the best characters ever.