Astrid the Unstoppable (2009) by Maria Parr, translated by Guy Puzey
The “little thunderbolt” of her Norwegian mountain village, Astrid is the only child around. She’s perfectly capable of making her own fun, between testing the limits of her new sleds, singing her way past grumpy Mr. Hagen’s wellness retreat, and spending her days with her 70-year-old best friend/Godfather. This book makes remote mountain living sound idyllic and adventurous all at once. But Astrid’s life gets turned around in the best and worst ways when her best friend has to spend time in the hospital and a new visitor comes to town.
This book has the feeling of Heidi with the silliness and feistiness of Pippi Longstocking. It’s truly entertaining and an all-round sweet book. I read it to myself first and then turned right around and read it again as a bed-time book to the kids. I did omit a few passages here and there while reading it (no need to mention reindeer meatballs so close to Christmas), but the read was enjoyed by all, and I can’t wait to read more by Maria Parr!