Rasmus and the Vagabond {Review and Giveaway}

Does the name Astrid Lindgren ring a bell? 

Maybe if I provide this photo . . . 

Yes, it's Pippi Longstocking, and Astrid Lindgren is the name of her beloved author. The spunky girl with the red braids is not the only memorable character created by Mrs. Lindgren. I have been pleased to learn of her other lovable characters, including Ramus, who is the subject of today's review, Rasmus and the Vagabond. This book was written in Swedish in 1956 and was translated into English at that time. Plough Books acquired the rights to it and has published it again as a "rediscovered classic." I am delighted that they did so, and that we have had a chance to discover it and add it to our personal library.

About the story:

After running away from an orphanage, nine-year-old Rasmus finds the world a cold and unfriendly place until he befriends an extraordinary tramp called Paradise Oscar. Together they meet more adventure than they ever imagined, solve a mystery, and catch the culprits. Rasmus dreams of finding a family and a home someday. But when he does, will he be able to part with his new friend and life on the road?

  

About the author:

Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002), the creator of Pippi Longstocking, Emil, and dozens of other world-famous characters, has thrilled three generations of children with her storytelling. She is the only children’s author with a literary prize, a theme park, a museum, a satellite, and a minor planet named in her honor. (After this last honor, she suggested changing her name to “Asteroid Lindgren”.) A jury appointed by Swedish Radio’s Culture Department to elect the “Author of the Millennium” voted Astrid Lindgren second after William Shakespeare. She was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal and heaps of other awards and honors.

Our thoughts:

Rasmus captured our hearts as soon as we met him in the linden tree at his orphanage, where he was pondering his list of things that shouldn't exist. This thoughtful child and his story of being an orphan and longing for a family is endearing and one that will be a treasured memory for my children (ages 8, 9, 12 and 14) and me forever. I read this book aloud to them during lunchtime for the past two weeks and there were many times when the adventures of Ramus and his new friend, Oscar, were so exciting that we didn't want to stop with just one chapter. The characters were well developed, the plot kept our attention, the vocabulary included a few new words, the setting was appealing and the ending was simply perfect. This is exactly the kind of story I look for when searching out a new read-aloud. We highly recommend it!

Official Website: Rasmus and the Vagabond

Giveaway:

This giveaway has ended. 

The winner, chosen by random.org is #3 - Tina! Tina, please contact me (scarlettroyce(at)gmaildotcom) within 48 hours (I'm posting this at 4:16pm ET on Monday, 23 Feb 2015), so I can get your mailing address. Thank you! 

If Tina does not respond in time, a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to all who entered! xo

FlyBy Promotions is offering one copy of Rasmus and the Vagabond for a giveaway and is responsible for prize fulfillment. 
1. Please leave a comment telling me if you have ever read any of Astrid Lindgren's books or tell me the title of one of your favourite books from childhood (or one that you've read to your children). 
2. Please leave your email address so I have a way to contact you if you win. 
Open to residents of US and Canada, 18 years of age or older. Giveaway ends February 20, 2015 at 11:59pm ET.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. 

Blessings and love. xo

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.