Astrid Lindgren is a Swedish born author. She was born as Astrid Anna Emilia Ericsson on 1907 in Vimmerby in the province of Smaland, in Southern Sweden where she grew up on a farm. Her early childhood was spent with cows and discovering hidden forest paths.

Astrid was born to liberal parents, the second of four children of Samuel August, a tenant farmer, and Hanna Jonsson Ericsson. During their childhood years, they were nurtured into storytelling; and were taught how to use their imagination and creativity in the world of Literature.

Her childhood years were full of love and laughter, which came from her parents. The laughter extended more in the games that Astrid played with her three siblings, Gunnar, Stina and Ingegerd. Many of the settings and characters in Astrid’s books can be traced back to her own childhood.

Lauren Child burst on to the children’s books scene in 1999 and has since published many bestselling and award-winning books, including those featuring the hugely popular Charlie and Lola, and the Clarice Bean series.

She has won numerous awards including the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal and the Smarties Gold Award. Her books have been made into an award-winning TV series and have sold in many languages with runaway success.