VIMMERBY 17 June 1961- . Swedish author Astrid Lindgren climbing a tree in her childhood village Vimmerby in the province Smaland in 1961. Her stories about characters such as Pippi Longstocking, Emil, Kalle Blomquist, the Brothers Lionheart, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, Ronia, the Robber's Daughter and the Bullerby children are loved and read by children all over the world. She was born on the farm Nas outside Vimmerby November 14, 1907 and would . have turned 100 years old this year. Astrid passed away in 2002.. Photo: Folke Hellberg / SCANPIX Code: 23