Karlson on the Roof (Hardcover)

by Astrid Lindgren (Author), Ilon Wikland (Illustrator), P. Crampton (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

Review
`I adored Astrid Lindgren as a child' Francesca Simon, author of the 'Horrid Henry' books --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description
Imagine Smidge's delight when, one day, a little man with a propeller on his back appears hovering at the window! It's Karlson and he lives in a house on the roof. Soon Smidge and Karlson are sharing all sorts of adventures, from tackling thieves and playing tricks to looping the loop and running across the rooftops. Fun and chaos burst from these charming, classic stories. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 120 pages
• Publisher: Methuen young books (March 20, 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0416802400
• ISBN-13: 978-0416802405
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,612,138 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book, a must have for kids and parents, July 4, 2002

By A Customer

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I will love this book in all my life, February 23, 2000

By	camelbird (wuxi.jiangsu.China) - See all my reviews

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:[e-mail])

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars By The World's Premier Author of Children's Literature, July 16, 1999

By A Customer

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!