Aww... I've been reading a lot of Lindgren's children's books. This one I enjoy even more for the illustrations than for the story. Something about the way the story is told seems a little clunky to me. Possibly it has to do with the translation. In any case, the pictures need no translation and are delightful. And the concept upon which the story is built is charming, too.

There must be something about the Swedish mindset, as compared to American, though. And thinking back on my part-Swedish ancestry, I think I may be sensing something true. It strikes me as thought-provoking that, when the farmer gets the seat torn from his trousers by the angry bull, The spectators looked at one another and smiled quietly." Really? I'd've expected whistles, catcalls, and hilarity - at least in the US..." ( )