The Children of Noisy Village

Title: The Children of Noisy Village
Author: Astrid Lindgren
Major Themes: Childhood, Sweden, Farm Life
Synopsis: Six children who live in three houses side-by-side have many fun times and adventures together.

For many years, our children have enjoyed the Pippi Longstocking books. Did you know that Astrid Lindgren wrote other books, too? I just read The Children of Noisy Village aloud to my children, and they loved it! This is such a gentle, yet fun, book. It was perfect for my 7-year-old girl. 

Noisy Village is a cluster of three houses, on three farms, in the countryside of Sweden. It is called Noisy Village because there are six schoolchildren who live there. Lisa narrates the story, telling of the adventures she had with Anna and Britta and the three boys over the course of a year. The six of them have a lot of fun together. Most of the time, they get along well, but of course, there are occasional problems.

Lisa begins her stories by telling us about the special birthday when her parents fixed up a bedroom for her very own, so she didn’t have to share with her two brothers anymore. Then, she describes other features of Noisy Village, such as the day Olaf got himself a dog, and Britta and Anna’s grandfather who lives with them. As the year progresses, we get to see how the children survive a snowstorm (and find themselves stranded with the grumpiest man around!) and what they did for Christmas. I think my favorite story is the chapter about how the girls tried to make people happy. It’s hilarious! 

The Children of Noisy Village is a delightful story about real children. They enjoy playing together and have a lot of freedom to be children. Living on farms a long way from town has its own challenges, but the children enjoy it and find ways to have a lot of fun on their long walks to and from school, as well as at home. Oh—and don’t miss the story about how Lisa and Anna went to the store for their mother!

WARNING: In chapter 4, Lisa’s brothers chant, “Boyfriend and girlfriend” to tease her. Chapter 8: someone says darned kids.