What Do Pippi Longstocking and Superman Have in Common?

Photos courtesy of Poster Store.

Article by Poster Store

It’s hard to believe that Pippi Longstocking first appeared in bookstores 80 years ago. As the world’s fifth most translated children’s book, Pippi has inspired children in 76 languages and spawned countless TV series, films and books. On the walls of children’s rooms around the world, her iconic red and green outfit is well-known, but do you know what Pippi and Superman have in common?

Pippi was created in the 1940s in Sweden,

as war raged in Europe. Astrid Lindgren is well-known for her countless children’s stories, often including strong-willed (but always kind) children. These characters were invented as debates about children’s rights were taking place in Sweden. Superman arrived in Sweden in the early 1940s, so young boys had a pacifist with superpowers to look up to, but what of the little girls?

Enter Pippi Longstocking. In an interview in Svenska Dagbladet in December 1967, Astrid Lindgren said:

“Pippi was a stroke of inspiration, not a carefully considered character from the start. Although, yes, she was a little Superman right from the word go–strong, rich, and independent.”

Poster Store sells posters with both Superman and Pippi Longstocking inspired designs. The new Pippi collection is now live on the site.

The world’s strongest girl turns 80.

As a symbol of strength, independence and kindness, Pippi’s importance as a role model has never felt more relevant. She is strong, but in her own words: ‘If you are very strong, you must also be very kind.’

Pippi’s adventures are irresistible to children: she’s fearless but kind, she stands up to bullies, and she can lift her horse. After all, she is the self-proclaimed strongest girl in the world.

Swedish Poster Store celebrates a home-grown hero on her 80th birthday.

Poster Store’s new collection combines the vibrant aesthetic of the Ingrid Nyman illustrations that graced the first ever Pippi publication in 1945, with fresh pastel colors and checkerboard and wavy patterns. Combined, the illustrations and the patterns make a more up-to-date aesthetic. The collection will launch on May 13, 2025, and is available worldwide.

The collection also includes stills from the iconic TV series created in 1969, which continues to be enjoyed by children across the world.

Annica Wallin, Executive Creative Director at Poster Store, says:

“It’s wonderful to see how Pippi’s popularity endures, generation after generation. The bold graphics speak to a new trend in interior design which is moving away from softer pastels, and toward bolder, more graphic designs. The Poster Store designs are a very modern take on Pippi, which we hope will make perfect additions to the homes of Pippi fans everywhere.”