Hattie and Olaf
The warm-hearted follow-up story of audacious and captivating six-year-old Hattie, a modern-day Pippi Longstocking.
Hattie and best friend Linda navigate the social politics of their first school years in this funny illustrated chapter book for early readers. With all the humour, anarchy and energy of Pippi Longstocking, this is a perfect story of friendship and resilience for young independent readers.
Hattie wants a horse more than anything. Her friend Ellen has three ponies. When Hattie’s father finally comes home with a horse trailer, Hattie is ecstatic. But instead of a horse, out stomps Olaf—a donkey. Now Hattie not only has horse fever, she suddenly catches lying sickness as well.
Inclined to emotional storms and exaggeration—always with the best intentions—Hattie is the very true picture of the rebellious, overenthusiastic six-year-old in all of us.
“A sparkling story that honours the sensibilities and world of young schoolchildren.” — Kirkus Reviews.
Hattie was selected as The Times, Children’s Book of the Week.
Creators
Frida Nilsson is a leading Swedish author who has won numerous awards including the Astrid Lindgren Prize in 2014. Nilsson’s writing is characterised by humour and sincerity. She writes about the big questions in life—friendship, death and love—and has been compared to Roald Dahl and Astrid Lindgren.
Stina Wirsén is one of Sweden’s most popular and prolific children’s book illustrators.
Other books by Frida Nilsson:
Hattie
The Ice Sea Pirates
Praise for Hattie and Olaf
Reviews
Wirsén’s black-and-white illustrations are full of spark and life, complementing the story’s quirky aspect. A sparkling story that honours the sensibilities and world of young schoolchildren.
Kirkus Reviews
Cue 180 pages of first-class antics – lies, deceit, mopeds, strawberry milk and donkeys. Hattie and Olaf is a heartwarming and hilarious addition to a series I love. I can’t wait to see what Frida Nilsson does next!
Readings
a delightful chapter book for young readers… Hattie is a bold and brave heroine, not unlike Pippi Longstocking in her “bull at a gate” approach to life’s problems. It is not surprising that Nilsson has been awarded the Astrid Lindgren prize. Stina Wirsen’s illustrations complement the book perfectly. Warm and funny, Hattie and Olaf is a follow-up to Hattie.
ReadPlus
Set in Sweden, it evokes the spirit of Pippi Longstocking, and those timeless stories that will capture the attention and joy of readers for a long time to come. This book will charm readers, and reassure them that they are not alone, whilst exploring themes of family, friendship, loyalty and personal growth as Hattie learns how special Olaf and all those around her are. This is a perfect book for those aged nine or ten and older, and a great book to read during lockdown to reassure us that we are not alone.
The Book Muse
Hattie and Olaf is a quirky, captivating story that you simply won’t want to put down.
The Blog of Dad
