When the Robbers Came to Cardamom Town
When the Robbers Came to Cardamom Town () is a 1955 Norwegian children's book written and illustrated by Thorbjørn Egner, which tells the story of Kardemomme by (Cardamom Town). It is considered one of the most important works in Norwegian children's literature. The book includes many songs which are connected to the story. The story has been adapted into a play and television program. The criminologist Nils Christie considered that Egner had contributed significantly to criminology in Norway due in part to this book. Plot summary. The book is about the peaceful  town of Kardemomme and the people there, as well as the only characters which stir up serious trouble. They are the three robbers, Casper, Jasper and Jonathan who live outside the town and regularly enter to steal the things they need. The robbers get arrested and are treated well in jail. In the end they are reformed, and in the final chapter, they become the heroes of the day when they extinguish a fire in the tower of the town. Finally, Casper becomes the town's fireman, Jasper becomes the town's circus manager and Jonathan becomes a baker. Music . The music, "Kardemommeviser", was released on EP in 1955 and LP in 1975. Theme park. The setting of Kardemomme by was made into part of a theme park in Kristiansand Zoo in 1991. Thorbjørn Egner lived to see the theme park under construction, but not to see it completed. Law. Law of Cardamom () is the only law in Cardamom Town. The law is simple and liberal: Songs. Some of the songs from the book/play were issued on the EP album in 1955. The 1975 album (with Egner playing the "Jonathan" character) was awarded the Spellemann award. Film adaptation. The  book was made into a film in 1988, directed by Bente Erichsen.