In Stockholm in 1941, Astrid Lindgren made up a story for her seven-year-old daughter, Karin, about a young girl who lived alone and had super-human strength.
Karin named her Pippi Långstrump, or Pippi Longstocking in English.
Four years later, Astrid submitted her story into a competition and it won.
Her book, Pippi Långstrump, was published and became an overnight success.
It’s now been translated into more than 70 languages, as well as being made into more than 40 TV series and films.
Rachel Naylor speaks to Astrid’s daughter, Karin Nyman.
(Photo: Astrid Lindgren. Credit: Getty Images)