A fictional character in a series of children’s books by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, first published in 1945, that have been adapted into multiple films and television series. Eight-year-old Pippi is unconventional, assertive and has superhuman strength. Like Peter Pan, Pippi does not want to grow up.
The main character in Simon’s Book, a 1983 children’s picture book by Henrik Drescher. In the story, a young boy stops drawing and goes to bed, leaving Simon stranded on the page with a huge monster. Simon flees from the monster with the aid of some drawing pens and a bottle of ink. I loved this book as a kid.
The main character in The Giving Tree, a 1964 children’s book written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. This book has become one of Silverstein’s best known titles and has been translated into more than 30 languages. It’s one of my most loved childhood books. Watch The Giving Tree movie from 1973, narrated and scored by Silverstein.
The King of All Wild Things and main character of Where the Wild Things Are, a 1963 children’s picture book by American writer and illustrator Maurice Sendak. The book has been adapted into an animated short, an opera, and, in 2009, a live-action feature film adaptation directed by Spike Jonze. Possibly my very favorite childhood book.
A mischievous boy who can fly and magically refuses to grow up, created in 1902 by Scottish author J. M. Barrie. Peter Pan spends his never-ending childhood adventuring on the island of Neverland as the leader of the Lost Boys, interacting with mermaids, Indians, fairies and pirates. The most famous Peter Pan adaptation is the 1953 animated Disney film.
On this day in 1939, The Wizard of Oz had its premiere screening. Dorothy is the main character in this American musical fantasy film based on the 1900 fairytale novel. When a tornado approaches her family’s Kansas farmhouse, she and her dog Toto take shelter inside. Dorothy loses consciousness and awakens in Munchkinland in the fictional Land of Oz.
Note: In gay slang, a “friend of Dorothy” is a term for a gay man, dating back to at least World War II. It is commonly understood as a reference to the film because Judy Garland, who starred as Dorothy, is a gay icon. In the film, Dorothy is accepting of those who are different.
Imagined in the 1860s by Lewis Carroll, this young girl from Victorian-era Britain falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar, anthropomorphic creatures. I love the 1951 animated film and prefer to believe that the 2010 Tim Burton remake never happened. Remix!
Charlie Brown – No. 218
The lovable protagonist in the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz. Good ol’ Charlie Brown made his first appearance in 1950 and failed at almost everything he did until Schulz’s death in 2000. Cursed with self-doubt, insecurities and frequent bad luck, Charlie is often taken advantage of by his peers.
Watching A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) is an annual holiday tradition. Dance!