Rasmus and the Vagabond
by Astrid Lindgren
After running away from an orphanage, nine-year-old Rasmus finds the world a cold and unfriendly place until he befriends an extraordinary tramp called Paradise Oscar. Together they meet more adventure than they ever imagined, solve a mystery, and catch the culprits. Reassume dreams of finding a family and a home someday. But when he does, will he be able to part with his new friend and life on the road?
My Review
Who hasn’t heard of Pippi Longstocking? She’s famous, right! The brave, adventurous girl with the red braids isn’t the only lovable character created by author Astrid Lindgren. I’d love to introduce you to Rasmus! Rasmus is a little orphan boy who lives with many other children at Vaesterhaga, the local orphanage. He’s never chosen by the couples who come to visit, and he’s had enough of Miss Hawk. He is afraid of never being chosen, so he decides to set off on his own to find parents.
Instead, he finds a kindly vagabond named Oscar. Oscar takes Rasmus under his wing and cares for him out of the open road. He agrees not to take Rasmus back right away and to help him find some parents. They sing for their supper and sleep in barns. They also stumble upon a robbery! Rasmus and Oscar get tangled up in the action. Will they save the day or end up in jail? You’ll have to read to find out! Will Rasmus find new parents, or will he have to go back to Miss Hawk at Vaesterhaga? Another reason you’ll have to read this!
This is a delightful story with wonderful characters. I absolutely love Oscar. The story is so cute and full of fun adventure that your children will love! This story was written in the 1950’s, but children today will enjoy hearing about Rasmus and Oscar. It would make a great read aloud. Since times have changed so much, your child might need some help understanding that this story was written in a different age. It would be a great teaching tool!
I highly recommend this book!
About the Author
Astrid Lindgren, the creator of Pippi Longstocking, Emil, and dozens of other world-famous characters, has thrilled three generations of children with her storytelling. She is the only children’s author with a literary prize, a theme park, a museum, a satellite, and a minor planet named in her honor. (After this last honor, she suggested changing her name to “Asteroid Lindgren.”) A jury appointed by Swedish Radio’s Culture Department to elect the “Author of the Millennium” voted Astrid Lindgren second after William Shakespeare. She was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal and heaps of other awards and honors.
Official Website for Rasmus and the Vagabond: http://www.plough.
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