Astrid Lindgren the godmother of Swedish children's literature and creator of world-famous characters like Pippi Longstocking, Emil From Lonneberga, Ronja Robber's Daughter and The Brothers Lionhearth has died after suffering from a serious virus infection for a month.

The beloved and respected author was born in 1907 in Vimmerby in Smaaland, Sweden. She made her debut in 1944 and her books have since been translated into more than 80 languages. Lindgren wrote 99 children's and youth books up until 1995.

Her books have been adapted for the small and large screen more than 50 times since the 40s, and she often wrote the screenplays herself. Among the highlights are Master Detective Blomkvist (1947), Pippi Longstocking (1949), Emil From Lonneberga (1971), Karlsson On The Roof (1974), The Brothers Lionheart (1977) and The Children Of Bullerby Village (1986) from director Lasse Hallstrom.

A new version of Master Detective Blomkvist was recently made for TV and a new animated feature-version of Karlsson On The Roof will soon be released by Swedish major SF.