ISLAMABAD: It isn’t often that children attend a birthday party for a little girl who has just turned 70. It even sounds like a work of Scandinavian fiction. And — like much of Swedish children’s literature, where fantasy is often grounded in realism — this festive gathering took place on International Children’s Day, in celebration of children’s bravery and resilience in the spirit of the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child.

His Excellency Tomas Rosander, Ambassador of Sweden, welcomed young schoolchildren to his garden party honouring the septuagenarian anniversary of his nation’s most globally recognised children’s literary hero, Pippi Langstrumpf aka Longstocking.

Shrieks of delighted laughter could be heard in the Pippi-themed playhouse. Also at the party were oversized puzzles, colouring stations, a Pippi dress-up corner replete with tawny braided wigs, boots and outfits, a fishing-for-treats area, and a huge 70th birthday cake.

Astrid Lindgren’s iconic creation is brave and bold, with a fiery, independent spirit and equally fiery hair (famous for it’s gravity-defying plaits).

Her classic series of books continue to receive tremendous success — 100 million printed copies worldwide in over 80 languages, including Urdu. She’s been adapted for the screen many times in Hollywood, Sweden and Russia. Back in Vimmerby, Sweden, there’s even an Astrid Lindgren’s World where, according to its creators, “fairytales come to life”.

Longstocking books are often credited with transforming moralistic literary trends to realistic ones in Sweden, a tradition that continues till today. Contemporary Swedish authors are inherently candid about topics including racism, poverty, single parenting, substance abuse and even mortality, yet retain their sense of humour, fantasy and ingenuity. They often include female protagonists and ethnically diverse characters, exploring sensitive topics in a characteristically progressive manner.

“The storylines are often part of a real world context and in that sense, rather more mature,” remarked Ambassador Rosander.

Mrs. Jasmina Makarevic, wife of the Bosnian ambassador, is one of several parents celebrating Pippi with her children at the party. She fondly shared her personal Longstocking experiences. “In Germany, it’s a tradition to watch Pippi movies on the 24th of December, which we’ve done as a family there,” she confides. “I’ve read them as bedtime stories to my boys.”

The Swedish Embassy aimed to link the celebration of Pippi’s books with International Children’s Day and the purpose of its Convention, “to protect the integrity, safety and well-being of all children,” explained the ambassador’s wife.

“Pippi herself is in her own very special way a symbol for this important struggle for the rights of the children and their protection.”

Ambassador Rosander also expressed enthusiasm for the relevance of Pippi’s storylines for Pakistani children.

“One of the great things about all of Astrid Lindgren’s books is that they put the children in the centre,” he said.

“In this respect, the storylines are really universal.”

“Until the very end, I believe, Astrid Lindgren was very young at heart,” he continued.

“She never ceased to be a kid; to understand the language and sentiments of children, whatever their geographical roots and cultural traditions. She linked her understanding in a (unique, sincere and mature) way of expressing the need to protect the wellbeing of children. Of course, this is something highly relevant for Pakistan and the Pakistani people’s brave struggle to provide better conditions for families and their children. Children always belong to the most vulnerable category.”

“Celebrate Pippi but also the joy of reading!” he jovially advised his young guests in a speech he made later that evening.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2015