Pippi and Mr. Nilsson

Franco often takes Grace and Jacob to the library during the week. There are so many things offered! At the end of the trip, the kids are each allowed to pick a movie (or two or three -- it's hard to decide when you're 4!). While Jacob chooses movies about John Deere tractors (we are in the midwest! And, by the way, Jacob can correctly identify at least 7 different makes of tractors!), race cars, trains, etc., Grace has taken a liking to the Pippi Longstocking movies.

For those of you who may not be familiar with Pippi Longstocking, here is a brief description from Wikipedia:

Pippi Longstocking (Swedish Pippi Långstrump) is a fictional character in a series of children's books created by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. She is very unconventional, assertive, and extraordinarily strong, being able to lift her horse one-handed without difficulty. She frequently mocks and dupes adults she encounters, an attitude likely to appeal to young readers; however, Pippi usually reserves her worst behavior for the most pompous and condescending of adults.

Though lacking much formal education, Pippi is very intelligent in a common-sense fashion, has a well-honed sense of justice and fair play, and has learned from a wide variety of experiences. She will show respect (though still in her own unique style) for adults who treat her and other children fairly. Her attitude towards the worst of adults (from a child's viewpoint) is often that of a vapid, foolish and babblemouthed child, and few of her targets realize just how sharp and crafty Pippi is until she's made fools of them. Pippi has an amazing talent for spinning lies and tall tales, though they are usually in the form of humorously strange stories rather than lying with malicious intent.

Pippi has trademark red hair with pony tails that stick straight out (hmmmm . . . sounds like the "Wendy's" girl! But Pippi came first!) She also has a monkey who is her best friend, named Mr. Nilsson.

So, this past week, I have now learned that Red Dog is now "Mr. Nilsson" . . . and I bet you can guess who Grace is! I think Grace has found her soulmate . . .