Astrid the Unstoppable

Speed and self-confidence, that's Astrid Glimmerdal's motto. And her hair-raising escapades give her plenty of opportunity to practise both. Nicknamed "the little thunderbolt", Astrid loves to spend her days racing down the hillside on her sledge or skis. But poor Astrid longs for other children to come to her village and join her adventures. Instead, she has to put up with a grumpy old 74 year old for a best friend (although secretly, she knows she wouldn't have it any other way). Astrid's world is about to be turned upside down, however, first by the arrival of a strange family, and then a mystery woman. Her best friend, Gunnvald, has been keeping a secret from her – one that will test their friendship to its limits. Everything is changing in Astrid's valley, and she's not sure she likes it.Reminiscent of Pippi Longstocking, Heidi and Anne Shirley, Astrid is a feisty and irrepressible heroine who will help readers navigate the complexities of family and friendship with plenty of warmth, wit and humour.

“Maria Parr’s second novel is a hilarious and heart-warming story about family and friendship that will delight fans of Pippi Longstocking. […]A feisty and irrepressible heroine, Astrid is sure to charm readers in this modern classic in the making.” Bags of Books
“A modern classic in the making, this hilarious and heartwarming story explores the true meaning of family and friendship. Reminiscent of Pippi Longstocking, Heidi and Anne Shirley, Astrid is a feisty and irrepressible heroine who will help readers navigate the complexities of family and friendship with plenty of warmth, wit and humour.” LoveReading
“This is a funny, heartwarming story with a brilliant heroine.” The Week Junior
“Translated from Norwegian, Parr brings touches of classic literature to her telling. The feisty heroine is part-Pippi Longstocking, part-Heidi, full of verve and unafraid of adult imperatives. Astrid’s dilemmas and emotions are relatable, but the landscape, which Astrid speeds through with thrilling fearlessness, provides an exotic edge that English language readers will find it difficult not to fall for.” The Irish Times
“This made me smile, feel warm inside and reminded me of some very classic tales with its clever twists and turns. […] Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr moved and delighted me and is set to become a classic, get your hands on a copy and meet the strong willed, strong minded Astrid, her friends old and new and possibly an enemy or two … be prepared to be swept off your feet!” Armadillo
“a beautiful story” M G Leonard on My Book Corner blog
“[…] it’s a must-read for fans of feisty girl adventurers” Bookstoker blog
This is an enchanting read and will I am sure delight many girls of 9+ with its depiction of a girl with so many freedoms, loved by all, and who has such fun! School Zone
A heartwarming story with a fantastic, feisty heroine who lets nothing stand in her way. Children's Books Ireland
“Simply unmissable.” Counsel

Maria Parr is an outstanding Norwegian author who has been compared to Astrid Lindgren. Her first book, Waffle Hearts, won France's Prix Sorcières and the Dutch Zilveren Griffel, and was shortlisted for the Marsh Award for Children's Literature in Translation. Waffle Hearts has been translated into 26 different languages, was made into a popular children's television series, and has been performed on stage. Astrid the Unstoppable is Maria's second novel, and won the prestigious Brage Prize for best children's book and the Norwegian Critics' Prize. It has been sold to 19 countries and made into a theatre production. Maria lives in Norway.

Guy Puzey grew up in the Highlands of Scotland, just a short swim away from Norway. He began translating Norwegian literature in 2006, having studied the language at the University of Edinburgh. In 2011 he went on to complete a doctorate on Italian and Norwegian language policy. He works at the University, and has taught a number of courses including Scandinavian linguistic history, children’s literature and literary translation. In 2015 he was shortlisted for the Marsh Award for Children's Literature in Translation for his work on Maria Parr's first novel, Waffle Hearts.

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