Customer Reviews

Karlson on the Roof

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a Chinese.This book was translated in Chinese in 1984 and never republished again.This book influenced me greatly.Every time I read it,I am excited and thankful to Astrid Lindgren.Few people know it is such a good book.It is the best book of all auther's works.Better than Pippi,although I also love Pippi.I want more people read it and love it.If you can write Chinese and love this book,I want to be your friend because my English is poor.(email:camelbird@990.net)

This book was the reason I started reading at 5! After getting too impatient waiting for my father to read one chapter at a time every evening, I was determined to read it myself. And so I did, along with its two sequels. This is a beautiful, majestic collection that will definitely entice children into reading it. It teaches the true value of friendship, which is something that should be understood at an early age. As compared to the present day's Harry Potter, this book is full of fantastic reality, but without darkness and cruelty. It should definitely be published in English for mass distribution!

I consider the publication of this book and its sequels a pinnacle moment in children's literature. Perhaps I sound overly dramatic, but this book is the ultimate in great writing. Karlsson On The Roof is written by Astrid Lindgren, the world's premier writer of children's literature with higher book sales than Dr. Seuss. It is certainly a shame that so many of her books are not published in English when she flourishes elsewhere. Karlsson On the Roof is by far the best book by this terrificly prolific author. It is a wonderfully whimsical feast of a book and it continues to sweep me away into greater heights of my imagination.

PS - I have sent a protest letter to Viking Penguin stating the reasons why this classic should be republished in English. Let's hope this gets somewhere!

All three Karlsson books by Astrid Lindgren are children classics, "cult" books. I can't belive you can only find them in English from used book sellers for $72, $249 and other ridiculous prices.

I wonder if those children books publishers ever look at out-of-print books prices. Don't those prices give you some clue on what is in demand?

I mean, really, guys - you have lots of immigrants from other countries, especially from China, Japan, Russia, Poland, other European countries, who love and miss that book and wish to buy them now for their own kids. Just estimate, how big is this market, please.

I am sure people who were born here would appreciate them too if they were more accessible.

You just can't go wrong with publishing the world's most brilliant, famous children classics. Please reprint three Karlson books. And, maybe, you can get a new, better translation too, because the existing one is rather dull, as people who read it told me.

Karlsson books/character in my opinion are/is main books/character you recognize Astrid Lidgren by. All others like Pippi longstocking, Ronie, Emil, etc. come after it. While you can find those other books easily in stores and on Amazon, the best one sadly became some kind of rarity.

These books are in the same league with Winni the Pooh, Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz. They are must have books.

I really wanted to buy them for my nieces as a gift, but I guess I should do with Moomin-troll series instead - another beautiful children world classics underestimated in USA. I'd better buy them soon, or they might became a rarity with astronomical prices.

If there is one book your child consented to read, make it this one. Imagination and kindness that will not bore your child to death either. That's a shame that you probably will not be able to find this book for a price lower than $50. I know, I tried. This book is the example of the weakness that the US publishing system seems to have. It doesn't pay too much attention to what other countries consider to be undying classic. The other clear example is Jules Verne masterpiece "Captain Grant's children." I'm not sure it was ever even translated to English, despite the fact that there was an American movie made based on this book. What a shame. I hope at some point there will be a change for the better.

when i was a little girl my dad gave me this book and it became my favorite. its such a delightfull adventure, so funny and heartwarming. its too bad its hardly ever published in the u.s. it should be. if you can find it, read it. its even better than pippi longstocking.

There seems to be an overwhelming sense of regret common to all the reviewers -- a great book, too bad one can't get it for love or money (...)

Like many of those who wrote a review here, I too read it in Russian translation. Like another reviewer, I've been looking for it for over 10 years for my own, thoroughly American, kids.

The Pippi boos are very good, as well as are other Lindgren's book, too but this one is special. Lindgren's ability to see the world through the eyes of a child and to tell the story in a way that is respectful to the child's view of the world is on fine display. Not a single false note, no artificial cuteness; all 3 Karlson books are honest with their readers and the readers love them in return.

Too bad these books are so hopelessly out of print... Both the kids and the parents of this country are missing on a real opportunity to share a good book, and what better way to build strong family ties than to read a GOOD book together with your child.

Great book for kids - read it as a kid, couldn't find it in English - so I am reading it in Ukrainian with the kids. Please find some one to re-print it in English.

This book is just too good to remain out-of-print.

Its a shame that this book didnt become as famous as Harry Potter in the US. I loved reading it when i was a kid, and I would love to see this book to be put in circulation. Someday if i get rich, I would love to buy movie rights to this book. best children;s book ever