Astrid Lindgren is among the best children's novelists (with Tove Jansson and her Moomins), and Veljeni Leijonamieli has to be counted among her best. It tells the story of two brothers, who meet after death in the fabled Nangijala, a place "of campfires and adventures". There they embark upon, surprise surprise, a huge adventure.

I love Lindgren's way of moving the story along with a fast pace. She has put into her 200 page book a fantasy tale which would take other writers at least three times that long. That makes her a great children's writer (not forgetting her beatiful writing, of course).

The only thing that bothered me a little was the side notion in the book that death could be an answer to life's difficulties. Some troubled children might take that notion a bit too seriously. At least parents should discuss this book with their children when they read it - but that is a mark of a good book as well, I think. ( )

A very good book for children about death and the fight about evil and good ( )

Plot: A relatively complex story for a children's book, told at a good pace. The underlying tension never lets up, though it occasionally fades into the background. Difficult issues are thematized - oppression, the fight for freedom, suicide and loss - and give the book an overall serious atmosphere. The ending is both sad and reassuring, and truly moving.

Characters: The characters are deftly sketched and develop throughout the book. The characterization is kept simple to suit the target audience, but goes beyond stereotypes. There's a surprisingly large number of minor characters for a relatively short tale.

Style: Simple enough to keep the book accessible to children, but without down-talking to them. The writing is polished, with beautiful prose and great descriptions of scenery. Atmosphere is built up and suits the scenes.

Plus: The story as a whole. Tackling the topics of death and loss in this way.

Minus: From an adult perspective it's too short.

Summary: A truly wonderful book that isn't only for children. ( )