Question 1

Press contact and use of press images

Accepted Answer

We are happy to help with contacts and information for those who want to report about Astrid Lindgren and her works or about The Astrid Lindgren Company’s business.

Press releases, photos and video material is available in The Astrid Lindgren Company (Astrid Lindgren Aktiebolag) pressroom at Mynewsdesk. The images may be freely used in articles about Astrid Lindgren or The Astrid Lindgren Company. For other uses, please contact Anna Forslund, anna.forslund (a) astridlindgren.se or +46-734-444 830.

Can't find the image you're looking for? Contact us and we will help you.

Question 2

Can quotes of Astrid Lindgren or by characters in her books be used in relation to other products?

Accepted Answer

No, that is not allowed. To use quotes in news articles or reports is normally okay. Public works may be quoted according to good practice (fair use), and in amounts that are motivated by the purpose. Good practice means, amongst other things, that the author is mentioned and that the quote itself is never so extensive that it will become the main part of the new work. Quotation rights only apply to limited parts of a material – for example, for educational purposes or for a scientific analysis of the text. The use of a quote must take place with a loyal purpose and must never violate the author. To place someone’s quote on a product is never considered okay according to quotation rights.

Question 3

Popular quotes

Accepted Answer

We have collected the most well known, the best, the funniest, the quirkiest and the most appreciated of all of Astrid Lindgren’s quotes here together with their correct source references. ,If you use a quote according to fair use (see above) it is advisable to disclose the source of the quote too.

Question 4

Popular misquotes

Accepted Answer

The Internet is full of quotes attributed to Astrid Lindgren, but without a source to confirm them. Here are some of the most common incorrect quotes:

"I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that."
This quote is widely available and is often assumed to be said by Pippi Longstocking, but Astrid Lindgren did not write it and there is no known source reference to it.

“Be crazy, wild and wonderful” / “Sei frech, wild und wunderbar”
This quote is of German origin and refers to a postcard picturing a small child dressed as Pippi. The postcard states that the author is Jochen Mariss. Many people believe that this is something Astrid Lindgren has said, but this is not the case.

“I am the sea and nobody owns me”
The quote comes from the Canadian animated TV series about Pippi Longstocking and is not an original quote by Astrid Lindgren.

The Astrid Lindgren Company receives many questions regarding the use of these quotes, but always reject any proposition to employ them in connection with Astrid Lindgren or Pippi Longstocking.

Question 5

Is it Pippi who says, “If you are very strong you must also be very kind”?

Accepted Answer

It isn’t precisely Pippi who utters these words but rather the narrator describing Pippi. It is included as the explanation for Pippi’s conduct towards the burglars in the picture book Do you know Pippi Longstocking? from 1947. ,"Then both burglars became so frightened that they started crying. Pippi felt sorry for them and gave them a gold coin each to buy some food with. Because Pippi is kind. If you are very strong you must also be very kind.”

Question 6

Where do you get hold of photos of Astrid Lindgren?

Accepted Answer

See our Press room for further information. The photographs may only be used together with editorial copy in connection with Astrid Lindgren’s person or work. When you download a picture with the intention of publishing it, we request that you apply for permission and inform us as to where and for what purpose you wish to use the picture. Send your email to info@astridlindgren.se. For other pictures the easiest way is to contact an image bank.

Question 7

Are you allowed to use an image of Pippi Longstocking in a school composition?

Accepted Answer

For school compositions or presentations related to Astrid Lindgren or any of her works, we have a set of special rules and may permit image use to a limited extent. Contact info@astridlindgren.se for more information.

Question 8

May I use one of your press images of Astrid Lindgren in a book?

Accepted Answer

No, the press images are by Jacob Forsell and need special permission in order to be used in a book. Contact TT News Agency: sales@tt.se.

Question 9

May I use an illustration from Astrid Lindgren’s books in a book?

Accepted Answer

To use one of Ingrid Vang Nyman’s illustrations you will need permission from The Astrid Lindgren Company. For other illustrators you will need permission from the illustrator in question.

Question 10

Use of film stills

Accepted Answer

Please contact the film company SF if you require rights to publish film stills from the classic Astrid Lindgren movies: rightsdepartment@sfstudios.se

Frequently Asked Questions

Using texts, images and photos

Press contact and use of press images

Can quotes of Astrid Lindgren or by characters in her books be used in relation to other products?

Popular quotes

Popular misquotes

Is it Pippi who says, “If you are very strong you must also be very kind”?

Where do you get hold of photos of Astrid Lindgren?

Are you allowed to use an image of Pippi Longstocking in a school composition?

May I use one of your press images of Astrid Lindgren in a book?

May I use an illustration from Astrid Lindgren’s books in a book?

Use of film stills

Products

I have created my own illustrations of Pippi Longstocking and want to sell them, is that allowed?

Are you allowed to bake a cake with Pippi on it?

Are you allowed to make clothes inspired by Astrid Lindgren’s characters and sell them?

Are you allowed to name a nursery school "Villa Villekulla" or something similar?

I have created a work of art based on Astrid Lindgren or one of her characters, what are the rules?

Where can I buy Pippi Longstocking products outside of Sweden?

Where can I buy Pippi Longstocking products as a retailer?

Schools and research

What does the Astrid Lindgren Archives at the Royal Library of Stockholm hold, and who can access it?

Is Astrid Lindgren’s home open to the public?

Who’s behind the information on your website?

School theatre productions

Visits by Pippi in schools

Theatrical rights

Can you portray Pippi Longstocking at a children’s party or as part of some fun activity for children?

Why do you say no to things that would make children and adults happy?

Can you set up a play based on Astrid Lindgren’s books if all involved are amateurs and the tickets are free?

What to do if you want to put on an Astrid Lindgren play?

Books

How many books has Astrid Lindgren written?

How many Astrid Lindgren books have been sold?

Which of Astrid Lindgren’s books is the most popular?

When did Astrid Lindgren start writing?

How did it come about that Astrid Lindgren started writing books?

What was the title of Astrid Lindgren’s debut book?

Which was Astrid Lindgren’s last book?

Into how many languages have Astrid Lindgren’s books been translated?

Where can I access Astrid Lindgren’s books in other languages?

I want to translate one of Astrid Lindgren’s books, what’s next?

I have a publishing company and want to publish Astrid Lindgren’s work in another language, what are the requirements?

Films

Where can I get hold of Astrid Lindgren’s films in different languages?

How many films exist based on Astrid Lindgren’s books?

Why did Astrid Lindgren not agree to let Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) turn Pippi Longstocking into film?

Music

I would like to perform Astrid Lindgren songs, how do I apply for permission?

I want to record covers of Astrid Lindgren songs, how do I apply for permission?