Heidi facts for kids
Heidi is a famous book written by Johanna Spyri. It was first published in parts between 1880 and 1881. The story is about a young orphan girl named Heidi who grows up in the beautiful Swiss Alps, which are tall mountains in Switzerland. She lives there with her grandfather.
Heidi's Story
When Heidi's parents pass away, she goes to live in the mountains with her grandfather, who people call Alm-Uncle. At first, he is a bit grumpy and doesn't like being around people. But slowly, because of Heidi's kind and cheerful nature, he starts to change and becomes much more caring.
Later, Heidi has to move to Frankfurt, a big city in Germany. There, she becomes a friend and companion to Clara, a girl who is sick and cannot walk. Clara's grandmother is very kind and helps Heidi learn to read. Heidi also learns about God during this time.
However, Heidi misses her mountain home and her grandfather very much. She becomes very homesick. A kind doctor sees how sad she is and says that she must go back to her grandfather in the Alps.
After Heidi returns home, Clara comes to visit her in the mountains. The fresh air and healthy life in the Alps help Clara become strong enough to walk again!
Where the Story Came From
Johanna Spyri wrote the story of Heidi for her son, Berhard Diethelm Spyri. Many of the people and places in the book were inspired by Spyri's own life and experiences.
For example, Catherine Eayrs, who studies books, believes that the village of Dorfli in the story might be based on Jenins in Switzerland. Johanna Spyri visited Jenins when she was a child. Also, the kind doctor in the book is similar to Spyri's own father. Clara's grandmother, who is good at telling stories, reminds people of Spyri's own mother.
More About This
Images for kids
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Aunt Dete hurrying away after leaving Heidi with her grandfather
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Maienfeld, the main town in Heidiland
See also
In Spanish: Heidi para niños
