You're welcome! While writing this post it occurred to me how much of my childhood was shaped by Astrid Lindgren books and series. Maybe it isn't so strange as I suspect every Scandinavian child is brought up on a healthy dose of Lindgren. (Her books and the Moomin books are one of things that bind Scandinavians together. ;D)She is of course best known for her Pippi Longstocking books, but they never grabbed me.

"Ronia" was the big favourite, probably because it has a female heroine who is strong and smart (and more realistic than Pippi). Also because, even when I was little, I loved the whole "just because its tradition doesn't mean you have to follow" theme.

Another favourite is "The Brothers Lionheart" which, um, deals with death and democracy. I know. It doesn't sound like particularly cheerful material for a children's book, but it also contains dragons, valleys filled with cheery trees, rides on wild horses and one of the most beautiful sibling relationships I know of. (Being an only child I've always been extremely fascinated by the sibling thing.)
Truth be told I cannot recommend "Ronia the Robbers daughter" or "Brothers Lionheart" enough.