Happy Times in Noisy Village

The concluding part about Bullerbyn contains many of the episodes that were my favorites when I was little – when the climb mountains and meet the angry ram on the islet, the crayfishing, the funny chapter about babysitting Kerstin, the black snot after selling cherries by the road. I read this book especially again and again. It’s interesting to ponder why I found it so exciting. Really, everything happening here is on such a small scale. I’m sure Lindgren’s dry sarcastic humor worked on me even then, but there is also a rare balance of adventure, freedom and true security here. Hard to pinpoint, but very palpable.

What luck! Happy Times in Noisy Village arrived just in time to get me through another illness. Nothing will distract you from feeling sick like one of Astrid Lindstrom’s Noisy Village books. Happy Times in Noisy Village is the sequel to fabulous The Children of Noisy Village, which I was luckily able to read on Audible. While the sequel isn’t on Audible, the paperback version gave me the chance to enjoy Ilon Wikland’s lovely illustrations.

The six children of Noisy Village — 9-year-old Lisa; her mischievous older brothers, Karl and Bill; and neighbors Anna, Britta, and Olaf — don’t live in an actual village at all, but in a grouping of three farmhouses, as was the way in Sweden long ago. The three farmhouses got the show more affectionate nickname because of all of the ruckus an active pack of children can create.

The tales, set at the turn of the 20th century, are deceptively simple — helping out an ailing teacher, baby-sitting, selling cherries to passersby, outwitting the smug boys, pulling a baby tooth, and a Midsummer festival — and Lindgren, best known for Pippi Longstocking and its sequels, always turns them into gems, never cloying, as they easily could have been.

It might be tempting to read this book immediately; however, trust me: You’ll be glad if you save it for your direst hour of need — and need of distraction. Highly recommended to readers of all ages. show less

Oh, oh how darling. Yes they're good and sweet children, but not saccharine or implausible. They get into little mischiefs - and even have little sulks, like healthy, beloved, well-raised children naturally would. I'm such a fan-girl of Lindgren. My only 'complaint' here is that the children are ages 9-11 but they are drawn more like 6-8 and in some ways have characteristics of children younger than they are, too.

Noisy Village is the name given to a group of three farm houses due to the ruckus created by the six children who live there. Lisa, who is nine years old, narrates the fun and adventures she and her brothers and friends have all throughout the year. Woven within the story are a number of Swedish traditions such as dancing around the Mid-summer Eve pole. I first read this as a child but still loved the humor of situations and the personalities of the children upon reading it as an adult.

Another one of my all time favorites. I like it so much because it has funny parts and usually isn't scary but is still interesting. A girl named Lisa is the main character and narrates the book. She lives in the middle of 3 houses people call Noisy Village because with all these kids are running around and like all kids do... making noise. She and her best friend Anna have adventures along with the other kids of Noisy Village. People who will like this book probably like books about kids and the olden days.

Ten-tear-old Lisa tells about her brothers and playmates and the happy times they spend making tunnels in the hay, playing the perfect April Fool's Day prank, and creating the Cherry Company in their Swedish village.

It breathes happiness. Good stuff to read together with a child.