Карлсон, который живет на крыше

           I’msureofthat,"saidDaddy.

           SoundsoflaughterandtalkingcamefromEric’sroom,andMommysaid,"Let’sgoandhavealookatthechildren—they’resofunny!"

           "Yes,let’s!"saidBetty.

           Theyallwentin—MommyandDaddyandBobbyandBetty—tolookatEric’sbirthdayparty.

           ItwasDaddywhoopenedthedoor.ButitwasMommywhocalledoutfirst,foritwasshewhofirstcaughtsightofthefatlittlemansittingbesideEric:afatlittlemanwithwhippedcreamuptohiseyes.

           "Ifeelfaint,"saidMommy.

           Daddy,Bobby,andBettystoodrootedtothefloorandstared.

           "Yousee,Mommy!Karlssondidcomeafterall,"saidErichappily."WhatawonderfulbirthdayI’mhaving!"

           ThefatlittlemansweptawaysomeofthecreamfromhismouthandwithachubbyhandhewavedtoDaddy,Mommy,Bobby,andBetty,sprayingthecreamaroundhimlikeacloud.

           "Hi-ho!"heshouted."Youhaven’thadthepleasureyet,haveyou?Myname’sKarlsson-on-the-Roof…ah,ah,Bridget,notsogreedy!I’msupposedtohavesomecaketoo,aren’tI?"

           HetookholdofBridget’shandassheheldapieceofcakeandmadeherletitgo."Neversawsuchagreedylittlegirl!"hesaid.

           Thenhehelpedhimselftoanotherlargeslice."TheWorld’sBiggestCake-Eater,that’sKarlsson-on-the-Roof,"hesaidwithasunnysmile.

           "Come,let’sgo,"saidMommy.

           "Don’tletmestopyou,"saidKarlsson.

           "Promisemeonething,"saidDaddytoMommywhentheyhadshutthedoorbehindthem.