Seacrow Island

As the school year draws to a close, a beloved children’s novel returns to the spotlight—one that has captivated generations of young readers and earned its place as a true summer classic. Seacrow Island first appeared in 1964, a highly imaginative work by the Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, the celebrated creator of Pippi Longstocking. It tells the story of the Melkersson family, who leave Stockholm to spend their summer on Seacrow Island, a delightful little isle in the Swedish archipelago. Each member of the Melkersson family is vividly drawn: the father, a slightly absent-minded writer; Malin, the eldest daughter, who quietly takes care of everyone; the twins, Johan and Niklas, always off adventuring with new friends; and little Pelle, the youngest, who loves being outdoors with his friends Stina and Melina. And then there is the Carpenter’s Cottage, the house they rent—cosy, full of character, and as charming as it is mysterious. A place that casts a spell on all who enter. The novel weaves together a rich tapestry of adventure, the magic of nature, and timeless values: family, friendship, first love, and the often-bittersweet experience of growing up. It will be a summer like no other, set in the wild beauty of the island, with the wind blowing along its shores, and a landscape still untouched by time. In her clear, unaffected prose, Astrid Lindgren invites readers to relish each moment as it comes, to live fully in the present, and to embrace the quiet strength of a hopeful spirit, a cornerstone of today’s culture. For this reason, this book is also recommended for adults.

Reading age: from 9 years old

Vacanze all’isola dei gabbiani
Astrid Lindgren, illustrazioni di Grazia Nidasio
Salani Editore, 1994