What do you think?
Rate this book
Barnen på Bråkmakargatan #5
Lotta's Easter Surprise
From the author of Pippi Longstocking comes a story of Lotta, a charming five-year-old, who cannot imagine Easter without the chocolate eggs that the Easter bunny always brings. But, since the only candy store in town has closed for good, that is what may happen. Unless, of course, Lotta can save the day....
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1990
76 people want to read
About the author
Astrid Lindgren
1,239 books3,881 followersAstrid Anna Emilia Lindgren, née Ericsson, (1907 - 2002) was a Swedish children's book author and screenwriter, whose many titles were translated into 85 languages and published in more than 100 countries. She has sold roughly 165 million copies worldwide. Today, she is most remembered for writing the Pippi Longstocking books, as well as the Karlsson-on-the-Roof book series.
Awards:
Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (1958)
Awards:
Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (1958)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 29, 2020
Lotta is gifted a stash of chocolate Christmas candies when the local candy shop closes its doors forever. Although sad that her friend is returning to Greece, she recognizes what a fantastic gift she has been given. Lotta, with her generous spirit, decides to share the treats with her siblings. But when will be the perfect time to reveal her surprise?
Because the candy shop is closed, the Easter Bunny is unable to get his supply of chocolate eggs for the holiday. Lotta comes to the rescue by hiding the chocolates in time for the traditional Easter egg hunt. The family is surprised and tradition is upheld, although with uncommon candies for this holiday. But candy is candy and these kids are delighted!
The village and neighborhood scenes reminded me very much of typical Swedish homes and shops. Both the illustrations and story offer an easy segue into Swedish folklore and traditions.
Be forewarned that the storyline does spoil the legends of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. However, that part of the story can be easily skipped over if you're hoping to keep those childhood beliefs intact for just a little while longer.
Because the candy shop is closed, the Easter Bunny is unable to get his supply of chocolate eggs for the holiday. Lotta comes to the rescue by hiding the chocolates in time for the traditional Easter egg hunt. The family is surprised and tradition is upheld, although with uncommon candies for this holiday. But candy is candy and these kids are delighted!
The village and neighborhood scenes reminded me very much of typical Swedish homes and shops. Both the illustrations and story offer an easy segue into Swedish folklore and traditions.
Be forewarned that the storyline does spoil the legends of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. However, that part of the story can be easily skipped over if you're hoping to keep those childhood beliefs intact for just a little while longer.
November 3, 2024
Noch so ein wunderbares Lotta-Buch!
In diesem Buch steht Ostern vor der Tür, und Lotta möchte mit ihren Geschwistern durch die Straßen ziehen, wie es Brauch ist. Doch Mia-Maria und Jonas sind zu einer Geburtstagsfeier eingeladen. Lotta ist traurig und wütend zugleich.
💕 Herzerwärmend. Ich mag Lotta. Sie ist sehr authentisch, denn als 5-jähriges Mädchen ist man nicht immer lieb und brav, sondern wie Lotta auch mal bockig, frech und vorlaut. Aber eben auch liebenswert und wunderbar.
In diesem Buch steht Ostern vor der Tür, und Lotta möchte mit ihren Geschwistern durch die Straßen ziehen, wie es Brauch ist. Doch Mia-Maria und Jonas sind zu einer Geburtstagsfeier eingeladen. Lotta ist traurig und wütend zugleich.
💕 Herzerwärmend. Ich mag Lotta. Sie ist sehr authentisch, denn als 5-jähriges Mädchen ist man nicht immer lieb und brav, sondern wie Lotta auch mal bockig, frech und vorlaut. Aber eben auch liebenswert und wunderbar.
April 8, 2019
Lotta Nyman, the strong-willed, fiery-tempered youngster whose other adventures can be found in such titles as
The Children on Troublemaker Street
and
Lotta on Troublemaker Street
, returns in this appealing holiday tale. Outraged when her older brother and sister inform her that their annual tradition of dressing up as Easter witches will have to be postponed until later in the day, because they must go to a birthday party, Lotta sulks and stamps. Eventually deciding that she must find something to do, she heads downtown, where she is aghast to discover that the local candy store has closed, and its expatriate keeper Vasilis is returning to his home in Greece. Where will the Easter Bunny get his candy?, Lotta wonders. Then Vasilis gives her his leftover chocolate Santas and marzipan pigs, and Lotta has an idea...
Originally published in Swedish as Visst är Lotta en glad unge, this holiday picture-book was every bit as engaging as the longer chapter-books devoted to Lotta's (mis)adventures, featuring the same realistic family dynamics, and the same narrative compassion for the young child's view of things. I appreciated the inclusion of Easter Witches in the story, as this is a folk custom about which I knew nothing, and I found Lotta's interaction with the adults outside of her family circle - neighbor Mrs. Berg, shopkeeper Vasilis - reassuringly goodhearted. I was particularly struck, while reading, by the innocence here, as I think that in today's more security conscious world parents might try to discourage their children from unsupervised interaction with other adults. But perhaps that is more of a contemporary American issue, than a Swedish one? In any case, although I understand why parents might feel this way, it seems such a shame, as I have fond memories of some of my own childhood friendships with adults in my neighborhood.
All in all, Lotta's Easter Surprise was a wonderful, warmhearted family story at the holidays, one I enjoyed reading. I think I will have to track down the story of Lotta's Christmas Surprise ! Perhaps that will feature Easter Eggs...
Originally published in Swedish as Visst är Lotta en glad unge, this holiday picture-book was every bit as engaging as the longer chapter-books devoted to Lotta's (mis)adventures, featuring the same realistic family dynamics, and the same narrative compassion for the young child's view of things. I appreciated the inclusion of Easter Witches in the story, as this is a folk custom about which I knew nothing, and I found Lotta's interaction with the adults outside of her family circle - neighbor Mrs. Berg, shopkeeper Vasilis - reassuringly goodhearted. I was particularly struck, while reading, by the innocence here, as I think that in today's more security conscious world parents might try to discourage their children from unsupervised interaction with other adults. But perhaps that is more of a contemporary American issue, than a Swedish one? In any case, although I understand why parents might feel this way, it seems such a shame, as I have fond memories of some of my own childhood friendships with adults in my neighborhood.
All in all, Lotta's Easter Surprise was a wonderful, warmhearted family story at the holidays, one I enjoyed reading. I think I will have to track down the story of Lotta's Christmas Surprise ! Perhaps that will feature Easter Eggs...
July 16, 2011
Lotta, whom you may already have met in
Barnen på Bråkmakargatan
, has a foul temper and a total unwillingness to do as she's told. But she's an extremely resourceful five year old, and she's used to sorting out little family crises; just as well, since her father is utterly disorganized and often forgets essential items. Last Christmas, he arrived too late to get the last tree, but Lotta found one that, literally, fell off the back of a truck. Now it's Easter, and Lotta is not surprised at all when she overhears him telling Mom that there are no eggs for their Easter Egg hunt.
Lotta goes down to the candy store on the corner, and her luck is in again. Though the owner, nice Mr. Vassilis, isn't feeling so lucky. In fact, he's almost in tears. He's closing down his store and moving back to Greece. Lotta asks why.
"Damn Saturday candy," mutters Mr. Vassilis bitterly. (The tradition in Sweden is that kids only get candy on Saturday). "What's wrong with this country? How can a candy store survive if kids only get candy once a week?"
Lotta feels sorry for Mr. Vassilis, but she also guesses that there might be something in it for her. She asks about his Christmas assortment. Amazingly enough, Mr. Vassilis has already got his collection of chocolate angels and Santa Clauses. "You might as well have them," he says. "No way I'll sell them now." He gives Lotta the whole box.
Lotta has such a terrific secret! She drags the box home without anyone noticing her and goes out in the garden, where she strategically distributes the candy. Then she sneaks in. The bad news is now generally known, and everyone is blaming each other for not buying eggs in time.
"Why not check the garden anyway?" asks Lotta innocently. In the end, they go out to humor her.
WTF?? No one can figure out what's happened. There is candy, but from the wrong time of year! They beg Lotta for an explanation.
"I can do almost anything!" says Lotta proudly.
My kids loved this story when they were Lotta's age.
Lotta goes down to the candy store on the corner, and her luck is in again. Though the owner, nice Mr. Vassilis, isn't feeling so lucky. In fact, he's almost in tears. He's closing down his store and moving back to Greece. Lotta asks why.
"Damn Saturday candy," mutters Mr. Vassilis bitterly. (The tradition in Sweden is that kids only get candy on Saturday). "What's wrong with this country? How can a candy store survive if kids only get candy once a week?"
Lotta feels sorry for Mr. Vassilis, but she also guesses that there might be something in it for her. She asks about his Christmas assortment. Amazingly enough, Mr. Vassilis has already got his collection of chocolate angels and Santa Clauses. "You might as well have them," he says. "No way I'll sell them now." He gives Lotta the whole box.
Lotta has such a terrific secret! She drags the box home without anyone noticing her and goes out in the garden, where she strategically distributes the candy. Then she sneaks in. The bad news is now generally known, and everyone is blaming each other for not buying eggs in time.
"Why not check the garden anyway?" asks Lotta innocently. In the end, they go out to humor her.
WTF?? No one can figure out what's happened. There is candy, but from the wrong time of year! They beg Lotta for an explanation.
"I can do almost anything!" says Lotta proudly.
My kids loved this story when they were Lotta's age.
August 12, 2022
4,25 sterren - Nederlandse hardcover linnen classic
Jeugdsentiment. Nog in bezit. Hopelijk kan de derde generatie snel van dit boek genieten!
Jeugdsentiment. Nog in bezit. Hopelijk kan de derde generatie snel van dit boek genieten!
November 4, 2019
In the English edition, Lotta does not reveal that she is responsible for the surprise. But I'm sure the family finds out soon after the book closes, as this little girl can't be any better at keeping secrets than any other lively 5 year old. (And besides, Christmas was only a few months ago, and it was Lotta who saved the day then, too.) Wiklund used a different medium here, and so the art has a different vibe, and isn't quite as sweet... which is actually a good thing, as it's more vibrant and true, more likely to appeal to children and not just grannies.
But what's this about children dressing as Easter Witches and going door-to-door begging candy? Interesting tradition that I never heard of....
Just as wonderful on a reread. Lotta is indeed, as the candy store owner knows, "a happy kid." I will continue to seek out books by Lindgren and Wikland.
But what's this about children dressing as Easter Witches and going door-to-door begging candy? Interesting tradition that I never heard of....
Just as wonderful on a reread. Lotta is indeed, as the candy store owner knows, "a happy kid." I will continue to seek out books by Lindgren and Wikland.
December 30, 2018
Jak myślicie, co się stanie, gdy wielkanocny zajączek przyniesie czekoladowe bałwanki zamiast jajeczek? No i najważniejsze, dlaczego w ogóle nastąpi taka zmiana?
Czytanie tej niewielkiej książeczki w grudniu nie było zbyt dobrym pomysłem. Nie poczułam bowiem całej atmosfery zbliżającej się Wielkanocy. Nie urzekły mnie ani śpiewające czarownice odwiedzające sąsiadów w Wielki Czwartek, ani chowanie słodyczy w ogrodzie.
Oczarowała mnie natomiast sama Lotta. Jak tu nie lubić tego dziecka? Jej pomysłowość, poczucie humoru i miłość do rodzeństwa zasługują na szacunek. Takie bohaterki powinny pojawiać się w książkach dla najmłodszych. Silne, nieco awanturnicze, ale jednocześnie ciepłe i kochane. Takie wprost do przytulenia!
Czytanie tej niewielkiej książeczki w grudniu nie było zbyt dobrym pomysłem. Nie poczułam bowiem całej atmosfery zbliżającej się Wielkanocy. Nie urzekły mnie ani śpiewające czarownice odwiedzające sąsiadów w Wielki Czwartek, ani chowanie słodyczy w ogrodzie.
Oczarowała mnie natomiast sama Lotta. Jak tu nie lubić tego dziecka? Jej pomysłowość, poczucie humoru i miłość do rodzeństwa zasługują na szacunek. Takie bohaterki powinny pojawiać się w książkach dla najmłodszych. Silne, nieco awanturnicze, ale jednocześnie ciepłe i kochane. Takie wprost do przytulenia!
March 24, 2021
4.5*
Love the illustrations in this one.
Love the illustrations in this one.
September 12, 2017
Tuż przed Wielkanocą Lotta obraziła się na starsze rodzeństwo, bo zamiast chodzić z nią razem po ulicy i zbierać słodycze, wybrali przyjęcie urodzinowe u kolegi, a Lotta została sama. Snuje się po okolicy i przypadkowo odwiedza sklep cukiernika Vasilisa, który siedzi załamany na skrzyni. Vasilis wraca w rodzinne strony - jego sklep splajtował, bo ludzie kupują zbyt mało słodyczy, a na domiar złego tuż przed Wielkanocą pomylono dostawy i dostał same mikołaje i aniołki. Lotta z niedowierzeniem słyszy, że może sobie zabrać całą ich skrzynię. Na kolacji Jonas i Mia-Maria są smutni, bo rodzice oznajmiają, że w tym roku wielkanocny zajączek nie pojawi się w ogrodzie, ale Lotta ma sprytny plan...
Wartość tekstu obniżają ilustracje - w tym wydaniu wykonane zupełnie inna techniką niż w reszcie książeczek o Lottcie, co zupełnie zmienia rysy twarzy głównych bohaterów i klimat książki.
Wartość tekstu obniżają ilustracje - w tym wydaniu wykonane zupełnie inna techniką niż w reszcie książeczek o Lottcie, co zupełnie zmienia rysy twarzy głównych bohaterów i klimat książki.
March 29, 2010
Lotta's brother and sister spoil the identity of Santa and the Easter Bunny for her, but she ends up saving the day on Easter morning when the local candy shop goes under.
This illuminated the Swedish tradition of dressing up as "Easter witches" and begging for candies... sounds like a good cross with Halloween. I wonder if this still goes on?
This illuminated the Swedish tradition of dressing up as "Easter witches" and begging for candies... sounds like a good cross with Halloween. I wonder if this still goes on?
April 3, 2021
Avoid this book if your child believes in Santa and the Easter Bunny. This book gives away the secret of the Easter Bunny AND Santa all in one sentence towards the end. I found it on a list of books for children 3-5. Clearly, I should have previewed it advance. That’s my fault for assuming that a book list for preschoolers wouldn’t have included this book without a warning.
My son is an exceptionally strong reader at 4 and follows along in the text at bedtime. And we read it the night before Easter. It took everything for me to distract him while I stopped reading mid-sentence, skip to the last page, and make up a new ending.
My son is an exceptionally strong reader at 4 and follows along in the text at bedtime. And we read it the night before Easter. It took everything for me to distract him while I stopped reading mid-sentence, skip to the last page, and make up a new ending.
April 1, 2024
The book would have been good except it's written for young children about young children and yet explicitly states that Dad is the Easter Bunny and Santa. Why why why?
I was so fortunate that my eldest who is still holding on to belief and who generally reads to herself asked me to read this Easter night and wasn't reading over my shoulder either.
I managed to cut the story short saying it was too long and too late. I've hidden the book and plan to flag it and return to the library ASASAP
I was so fortunate that my eldest who is still holding on to belief and who generally reads to herself asked me to read this Easter night and wasn't reading over my shoulder either.
I managed to cut the story short saying it was too long and too late. I've hidden the book and plan to flag it and return to the library ASASAP
February 5, 2024
I love all the characters in Lindgren's stories. I love five-year-old Lotta, of course. Lotta's stories have never disappointed me. The story in this picture book is just as adorable.
I just wonder if it should have been made into a picture book.
The text is dense and the pictures are pretty, but they're more like illustrations than picture books. 😶
I just wonder if it should have been made into a picture book.
The text is dense and the pictures are pretty, but they're more like illustrations than picture books. 😶
February 15, 2020
This book was very good and hearwarming, and I learned that children in Scandinavia dress up as witches the the Thursday before Easter, to go door to door asking for candy! Cool.
June 6, 2024
Viljestark 5-åring, ger aldrig upp. Vackert illustrerad som alltid. Jag gillade alltid Barnen på Bråkmakargatan, men Lotta lyckades konstigt nog aldrig charma min dotter ...
March 23, 2018
I feel like Astrid Lindgren is hit and miss, which is really sad because when I like a book of hers, I really like it! This one has aspects that are sweet but there's an occasional grumpy attitude making the characters not entirely likable and children dressing up like Easter witches, asking for candy around the neighborhood - an old Swedish tradition like Halloween - that I personally find just a little odd.
Ages: 6 - 10
Cleanliness: There are Easter witches, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny in this story. Three of the kids have grumpy attitudes a few times.
#easter #eastereggs #geography #europe #sweden #culture
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 6 - 10
Cleanliness: There are Easter witches, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny in this story. Three of the kids have grumpy attitudes a few times.
#easter #eastereggs #geography #europe #sweden #culture
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
April 22, 2018
1) Deutsche Rezension
2) English Review
1) Deutsche Rezension
Oh Mann, ich erinnere mich nicht mehr viel an dieses Buch. Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher, dass es ein empfehlenswertes Buch für Kinder ist, aber für Erwachsene ist es vielleicht ziemlich vergesslich.
2) English Review
Oh boy, I don’t really remember much of this book anymore. I am pretty sure that it is a recommendable book for kids, but for adults it might be quite forgettable.
2) English Review
1) Deutsche Rezension
Oh Mann, ich erinnere mich nicht mehr viel an dieses Buch. Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher, dass es ein empfehlenswertes Buch für Kinder ist, aber für Erwachsene ist es vielleicht ziemlich vergesslich.
2) English Review
Oh boy, I don’t really remember much of this book anymore. I am pretty sure that it is a recommendable book for kids, but for adults it might be quite forgettable.
August 12, 2016
Swedish Easter folklore. According to the folklore, witches go to dance with the devil during Holy Week in Christianity. Children dress up as witches and go house to house seeking candy treats. Sinister or harmless? It reminds me of Halloween in the United States. Sinister or harmless? Paganism blending with Christianity in celebration of Easter is definitely a part of this children's Easter holiday story.
Read
May 12, 2025This was another sweet Lotta story!
At times, it did feel a little bit more chaotic than the other ones, but I still liked it a lot, especially when it addressed the disillusionment kids sometimes experience (revelations that the easter bunny and Santa Claus don't exist, people moving away, time isn't endless, ...)
And again, wonderful illustrations by Ilon Wikland
At times, it did feel a little bit more chaotic than the other ones, but I still liked it a lot, especially when it addressed the disillusionment kids sometimes experience (revelations that the easter bunny and Santa Claus don't exist, people moving away, time isn't endless, ...)
And again, wonderful illustrations by Ilon Wikland
August 31, 2016
I don't usually rate picture books, but wanted to let anyone know who might look here that the last few pages of the book are clear that their father plays the role of the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. So not a great pick if your child believes/your fostering a belief that they are real.
March 22, 2013
A beautiful little secular Easter book with lots of lovely stories and messages.
April 8, 2013
en vacker bok som varje påsk kan läsas om och om igen.
April 7, 2015
I love the Lotta books, but parents beware: there are some Easter Bunny/Santa Claus spoilers for young children. Pretty easy to skip over though, if you know it's there.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews