Heidi's Children facts for kids
Heidi's Children is a novel published in 1939. It's the second of four sequel books that continue the story of Johanna Spyri's famous original Heidi series. This book was written by Charles Tritten, who was the French and English translator for Spyri's works. It first came out in French in Paris and in English in New York, both in 1939.
Before Heidi's Children, the story continued in a book called Heidi Grows Up: A Sequel to Heidi.
What Happens in the Story
The story begins in spring, with beautiful flowers blooming in the village of Dorfli. Heidi's friend, Eileen, suggests that her younger sister, Martha, should come and visit Heidi in the village. Martha is not very happy about this idea at first. She complains a lot about having to go to Heidi's home.
However, Heidi's kind grandfather eventually teaches Martha a special prayer. The words of this prayer help Martha feel much better and lift her spirits. She starts to enjoy her time with Heidi and wants to join in with the family's activities.
One day, Martha goes berry picking with her new friends. During their adventure, one of her companions gets stuck under a cliff. Martha bravely climbs down to help her friend. They both fall to the ground, but luckily, they are safe and eventually make it back home.
Later in the story, Heidi gives birth to twin babies. Heidi's grandfather lovingly names the new twins. After this happy event, the grandfather becomes very quiet and still. He eventually passes away peacefully due to old age.
The family, including Martha, then moves back up to the cozy mountain home. There, they turn the old building shed into a place where they can make cheese. Martha and her brother, Tobi, take on the important job of herding the goats.
One day, Heidi takes Martha to a special place called the "enchanted garden." As the sun begins to set, Peter rushes in, very worried, announcing that Tobi is missing! Everyone searches frantically for Tobi, but they can't find him anywhere.
Despite her parents' worries, Martha decides to search for Tobi on her own. She has some dangerous adventures while exploring the mountain paths. Finally, she finds herself in the grazing meadow. Under a place called the Rainy Day Rock, she accidentally discovers Tobi, who is fast asleep. After some stubborn resistance from Tobi and Martha's desperate shouts, she realizes she was calling for her grandmother herself. Martha then safely brings Tobi back down to their mountain home.
