Bill Bergson and the White Rose Rescue facts for kids
First edition
|
|
| Author | Astrid Lindgren |
|---|---|
| Original title | Kalle Blomkvist och Rasmus |
| Country | Sweden |
| Language | Swedish |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Rabén & Sjögren |
|
Publication date
|
1953 |
| Preceded by | Bill Bergson Lives Dangerously |
Bill Bergson and the White Rose Rescue (original Swedish title Kalle Blomkvist och Rasmus) is the third and final novel about the Swedish "master detective" Kalle Blomkvist, written by Astrid Lindgren.
This exciting book was published in 1953. At that time, the world was in a period called the Cold War, where different countries were rivals without fighting a direct war. In the story, a professor invents a super strong, lightweight metal. This invention is very important because it could be used for many things, including defense. The people who kidnap the professor are not looking for money. Instead, they want his invention for their own country's benefit.
Contents
The Mystery of the White Rose Rescue
This book continues the adventures of Kalle Blomkvist and his friends. It's summer again in Lillköping, and the fun "war" between two groups of friends is still going on. Kalle, Anders, and Eva-Lotta are part of "Vita Rosen" (the White Rose). Their rivals, Sixten, Benka, and Jonte, are "Röda Rosen" (the Red Rose).
A New Friend and a Secret Invention
One day, Kalle, Eva-Lotta, and Anders are near the old castle ruins. They meet a five-year-old boy named Rasmus. Rasmus lives nearby with his father, Professor Rasmusson. The professor shares an amazing secret: he has invented a special metal. This metal is super strong and very light!
The Kidnapping Begins
After a "war" game at the castle ruins, Kalle and his friends see something shocking. Three men in a car kidnap Rasmus and his father, the professor! Eva-Lotta bravely tries to help Rasmus. But the kidnappers force her into their car too.
As they drive away, Eva-Lotta is clever. She throws out cakes and papers along the road. This helps Kalle and Anders, who are chasing them on the professor's motorcycle. The kidnappers travel by car, then switch to a boat to reach an island. Kalle and Anders swim to the island to continue their rescue mission.
Trapped on the Island
On the island, Eva-Lotta and Rasmus are locked in a small house. The professor is kept in a different house. The professor meets a man named Peters, who is an engineer. Peters tries to force the professor to reveal where he hid the plans for his amazing metal. But the professor refuses to tell him.
Rasmus finds one of the kidnappers, Nicke, to be kind. Nicke is nice to Rasmus and even makes food for them. They become friends. The other two kidnappers are named Blom and Svedberg.
A Clue and a Chase
The next day, Peters visits Eva-Lotta and Rasmus. He asks Rasmus where the secret plans are hidden. Rasmus accidentally says they are behind the books! Peters quickly decides they must go get the documents.
Eva-Lotta has a clever idea. She goes to the window and sings a song in Rövarspråket (Robber Language). Kalle and Anders hear her song and understand her secret message. They know something is wrong! They quickly steal a boat and row to the mainland. Then they rush on the motorcycle to the professor's house. They find the documents just as the kidnappers arrive!
Kalle and Anders run away with the documents, with the kidnappers chasing them. They meet policeman Björk, but the kidnappers manage to get away.
Escape Plans and a Radio Message
Back on the island, Eva-Lotta and Rasmus hear Peters is angry about the stolen documents. Nicke tells them that a special plane, a floatplane, will arrive tomorrow evening. It will take Rasmus and his father to another country.
Eva-Lotta and Rasmus ask to go swimming. Nicke agrees. This gives them a chance to escape into the forest! They soon meet Kalle and Anders, who have returned to the island. Since it's dark, they all decide to sleep in Kalle and Anders's hut.
The next morning, as they try to leave the island, the kidnappers find them. They tie them up and take them back to the house. Peters tries to force Anders to say where the documents are. But Rasmus bravely says that only Kalle knows. Peters gives Kalle one hour to tell them, or something bad will happen.
A Daring Escape and a Rescue Call
Peters leaves. A few minutes later, Nicke brings food. The children quickly attack Nicke, allowing Kalle to escape! Rasmus throws Nicke's key out the window, and Kalle finds it. Once things calm down, Kalle locks the door from the outside and hides nearby.
When it gets dark, Kalle sneaks around the houses. He hears Blom say that the floatplane will arrive tomorrow morning at 7 o'clock. Kalle realizes they must have a radio. He sneaks into the house and sends a help message using the radio. Just as he finishes, Peters comes in, hits Kalle on the head, and locks him up.
The Final Showdown
The next morning, the floatplane arrives. Peters goes into the children's house and takes Rasmus. Kalle quickly grabs the key and locks the door from the inside. Peters carries Rasmus, who screams for help. Suddenly, Nicke punches Peters in the face! Nicke grabs Rasmus and runs into the forest. But Peters, Svedberg, and Blom chase after them. Peters shoots Nicke.
While the pilot waits, Kalle takes Anders's knife. He swims to the plane and cuts one of its floats. The pilot tries to take off but can't. Because of the damaged float, the plane tips over and sinks into the water! The kidnappers (and the professor) are rescued from the plane. But they are quickly captured by two police boats.
Policeman Björk is there. He tells everyone that a radio amateur heard Kalle's help message! It turns out Peters is a spy whom the police have been trying to catch for a long time.
Nicke is badly hurt by Peters's gunshots but is quickly taken to the hospital. The next day, Rasmus is made a new member of the "Vita Rosen" group!
Films Based on the Book
This exciting story has been made into two films. The first film was released in 1953, and another film was made in 1997.
