A parent might reach for this book when their child is bristling against rules or needs a model of radical self-acceptance and creative problem-solving. Pippi Goes on Board continues the adventures of the world's strongest girl, who lives life entirely on her own terms. Alongside her friends Tommy and Annika, Pippi navigates everything from surviving a shipwreck to winning all the prizes at the fair, always with her signature humor and logic. This book celebrates boundless freedom, deep friendship, and the power of imagination. It's ideal for children who love silly stories and are learning to trust their own unique way of seeing the world.
Protagonist frequently lies ('fibs') and gleefully disregards rules and authority figures.
Sensitive Topics
The book's portrayal of Pippi's father as a 'cannibal king' and the descriptions of the people on his island are dated and use harmful, racist stereotypes. The approach is fantastical and presented as part of Pippi's larger-than-life world, but it requires significant parental context. The resolution to the 'leaving home' dilemma is hopeful, with Pippi choosing to stay with her friends, affirming the power of found family.
Ideal Reader
A 7 to 9-year-old who loves anarchic humor, wish fulfillment, and stories about kids with ultimate freedom. It’s perfect for a highly imaginative child who sometimes feels their creative ideas are misunderstood or 'too much'. This book validates a child's inner world and their desire for autonomy.
Parent Prep
Parents must preview the chapters concerning Captain Longstocking's arrival, particularly Chapter 8, 'Pippi Gets a Letter,' and the final chapters. The language used to describe the islanders ('cannibals,' etc.) is a product of its time (1940s) and is now recognized as a racist stereotype. A parent should be prepared to discuss why these descriptions are not okay, how our understanding has changed, and the difference between Pippi's fantasy world and real-world respect for other cultures. A parent has noticed their child is constantly pushing boundaries, questioning every rule, and seems frustrated by the limitations of their daily routine. Or, a parent sees their child has a wild, untamed imagination and wants a book that celebrates that spirit rather than trying to contain it.
Age Experience
A younger reader (6-7) will focus on the slapstick and pure wish fulfillment: buying all the candy, wrestling a shark, having a horse on the porch. An older reader (8-10) will connect more with the emotional core of the story: the depth of Pippi's friendship with Tommy and Annika and the bittersweet choice she has to make. They are also better equipped to handle a discussion about the book's dated cultural elements.
What Makes It Special
While many books celebrate spunky heroines, Pippi Longstocking is in a class of her own. She does not just bend the rules, she is completely unaware that they should apply to her. The book's unique power lies in its combination of pure, anarchic wish-fulfillment with a deep, genuine loyalty and love for her friends. She is a superhero of childhood, embodying total freedom and self-confidence.
Read plot summary
This second book in the series continues the episodic, absurd adventures of Pippi Longstocking and her neighbors, Tommy and Annika. Key events include Pippi buying out a candy store, attending a fair where she bests the local strongman, getting 'shipwrecked' on a nearby island for a weekend, and preparing for the arrival of her long-lost father, Captain Efraim Longstocking, who is the king of a South Seas island. The central emotional conflict revolves around Pippi's decision about whether to leave Villa Villekulla and sail away with her father or stay with her friends.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When Pippi's father, Captain Longstocking, arrives to take her away, she is very excited to go. Why do you think she ultimately decides to stay in Villa Villekulla with Tommy and Annika?
2
Pippi tells many stories that aren't true, like the one about the grandmother who could fly. Are her stories the same as lying, or are they something different? When is it okay to tell a made-up story?
3
At the fair, Pippi easily beats the Strong Man, Adolf. Was it fair for her to compete? Why do you think the crowd was happy that she won?
4
The adults in the town, like the ladies Pippi meets on her shopping trip, are often shocked by her behavior. Why do you think Pippi's way of doing things is so confusing for them?
