Most Beloved Sister and Mirabelle

by Astrid Lindgren, Lisa Benk (Translator)

Then Lalla-Lee grabbed my arm very tightly and said: “Most Beloved Sister, there is one thing you must know!” I felt a pain in my heart just then. “No,” I said. “I do not want to know.” “Yes, one thing you must know,” continued Lalla-Lee. Then the flowers stopped singing and the trees stopped playing, and I could no longer hear the brook’s melody. “Most Beloved Sister,” said Lalla-Lee. “When Salikon’s roses wither, then I will be dead.”

Astrid Lindgren (b. 1907 in Vimmerby, d. 2002) was a Swedish writer of fiction and screenplays, best known for her beloved children’s book series featuring Pippi Longstocking, Emil in Lönneberga, Karlsson-on-the-Roof and The Six Bullerby Children, as well as the children’s fantasy novels Mio my Mio, Ronia the Robber’s Daughter and The Brothers Lionheart. Alongside her prolific writing career, Lindgren was wellknown both for her support of children’s and animal rights. As of January 2017, Astrid Lindgren is the world’s eighteenth most-translated author and the fourth most-translated children’s writer. Her books have sold roughly 144 million copies worldwide.

Genres: Short Stories

19 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1949

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

[John Hatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is little I enjoy so much as a story by Astrid Lindgren. These two, about little girls’ dreams, are no exception. A story by Astrid Lindgren is always a joy to read — in any language.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twin baby that jumped out the window into the bushes and a doll grown from a golden seed. Beautifully silly

[MadraMactire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely short stories, though the first one was rather clear about the lessons it wants us to learn, the second one was not as good.

[patrícia cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so silly and fun to read

[Simon]

This concludes my little Swedish short stories journey. Both stories were sweet but I especially liked "Most Beloved Sister". Lindren was simply the best children's book author.

[Eda Ates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little read!
A story to read that’s on the go.

[Catarina Ribeiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5⭐️

lovely short stories about little girls dreams!
while both were sweet, i especially liked “most beloved sister”.

[Marianne GIRARD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deux belles histoires pour enfants, très mignonnes.

[Abi Pellinor · Rating 3 out of 5]

For Christmas 2020 my wonderful friend gifted me a set of Swedish classic short stories, so of course my first read of 2021 had to be one of these! Coming in at 19 pages long this book comprises of two short stories by an author best known for Pippi Longstockings. I, however, had never read anything from her before so this was a lovely introduction to her writing! I ended up giving this book 3 stars (out of 5)

Both of these stories were a little bit odd, but definitely still enjoyable!

Most Beloved Sister follows a young girl who seems to have an imaginary sister who lives under a bush in her garden. She plays with her every day, and not only is this girl her sister but she's also a monarch of this world under the bush. I don't want to say anything else as, with it being such a short story anything else would spoil it! It seems to be a tale on growing up and on parental love, which was quite an interesting one to read.

Mirabelle is a story about an unusual doll owned by a little girl. Again, any more would spoil it! This one seems to be more of a focus on encouraging imagination and childish wonder, and was another sweet but odd story!

This has definitely made me interested in reading more of Lindgren's long works, I want to see what she is able to do when she has more space to flesh out characters, develop a larger plot and how she concludes her stories!