The stories about the boy who made so much mischief in Lönneberga, Småland, at the turn of the last century, are one of Astrid Lindgren's most beloved and also her own favourites. The Emil series comprises three novels and seven picture books, all illustrated by Björn Berg. The novels were adapted for the screen by Olle Hellbom in the 1970s and feature the famous songs written by Astrid Lindgren and set to music by Georg Riedel.

We all want a better world, to live in harmony, and to become our best selves. But how should we do it – and where to begin? Astrid Lindgren believed we should start from scratch. With children. When children explore the world around them, the results don’t always go according to the adults’ plans.

Children can be happier and wiser if they live like Astrid’s character Emil. Like most children, Emil is good and helpful, and learns from his cheeky pranks – from creating problems during play and solving them in a clever way. Things don’t always go as planned, but that’s part of being a child and growing up.

So if a child (oh for goodness’ sake!) comes home with scratches and bruises carrying a lame chicken, hides a wooden rifle under the bed or spends his weekly allowance on sweets, don’t worry. Don’t put a stop to these subversive ideas; just give encouragement and keep up with the pranks.

Mischief is good. Children who are allowed to be children make the world a better place.