Astrid Anna Emilia Lindgren was a renowned Swedish writer of fiction and screenplays. She is best known for creating Pippi Longstocking and several other beloved children's book series, including Emil of Lönneberga, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, and the Six Bullerby Children (known as Children of Noisy Village in the US). Her children's fantasy novels, such as Mio, My Son, Ronia the Robber's Daughter, and The Brothers Lionheart, are also popular worldwide.

Lindgren was a member of the Children's Literature Editorial Board at the Rabén & Sjögren publishing house in Stockholm and authored over 30 books for children. By 2010, Astrid Lindgren had sold approximately 167 million books globally and in 2017, she was recognized as the world's 18th most translated author.

In 1994, Lindgren received the Right Livelihood Award for "her unique authorship dedicated to the rights of children and respect for their individuality." Her fierce opposition to corporal punishment of children led to the enactment of the world's first law against it in 1979. Furthermore, her advocacy for animal welfare resulted in a new law, Lex Lindgren, which was implemented just in time for her 80th birthday.