Heidi: A Graphic Novel

by Mariah Marsden (Adapter), Ofride (illustrator), Johanna Spyri

Discover the heartwarming magic of Johanna Spyri’s beloved tale in this gorgeous graphic novel adaptation. From the author of the critically acclaimed Anne of Green A Graphic Novel comes another thoughtfully retold children’s classic.

When young Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in a small shepherd’s hut in the Swiss Alps, everyone expects him to turn her away. He has a bad mean, growly, and harsh as the cold mountain winds. But Heidi is quick to take on any challenge, whether it’s keeping an eye on the rebellious goats, learning to read, or melting Grandfather’s icy heart.

Heidi’s adventures take her up and down her beloved mountain, from picnics in the high alpine meadows all the way to the distant streets of Frankfurt and a city life she could never have imagined. But when homesickness strikes, Heidi must weigh old friendships with new ones and find her place in an expanding world.

Given new life as a graphic novel in artist Ofride’s warm, folk art–inspired style, Heidi celebrates the joy of storytelling, the wonders of nature, and the healing power of kindness.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Classics, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Comics, Childrens, Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 11, 2025

About the author

Mariah Marsden spent her childhood hunting for faeries amidst the old hills of the Missouri Ozarks. She began telling stories to pass the time on her family’s farm, and she hasn’t stopped since. A former children’s librarian, she earned her MFA in Creative Writing & Media Arts from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She writes about the dreams and difficulties of girlhood, the folklore of her region, and the complexities of rural life. She’s still on the lookout for faeries.

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Heidi will be fine. She's a clever girl."

Newly orphaned Heidi is sent to live at the top of the mountain with her curmudgeonly grandfather. The town whispers about the poor girl having to live with such a grumpy old man, but Heidi wouldn't have it any other way.

The fresh air. The delightful goats. The gorgeous sunsets. The love of her grandfather. There's so much to do and see and experience that she never wanted to leave the mountaintop.

Then her Aunt Dete arrives from Frankfurt with a demand - Heidi must come and act as a companion for a sickly child (Clara) in the city. She will be educated and given vast opportunities.

Clara is very kind and the two girls become genuine friends but Heidi doesn't want riches or prestige. She wants her simple straw bed, fresh goats milk, and her friends on the mountaintop. And the longer Heidi stays in the city...the sicker she feels.

Will she ever return to her grandfather?

Ahhh, this was such a beautiful interpretation of one of my favorite classic books. Heidi is such a wonderful book that I've so far enjoyed the classic and every interpretation I've gotten my hands on.

The illustrations in this version of Heidi really stood out to me - the color palette was simple and yet stunning. Beautifully matched pastels and sweeping art decorated each page.

The story was well-conveyed, the author did a lovely job of balancing the quotes with the art. The text included was impactful, and also so much was communicated in the image-only panels.

I will say that the ending differed a bit from the original, giving way to a more realistic ending of the story, so that was a pleasant surprise.

Overall, I am so glad I picked this one up. It was worth the time I spent reading it.

Review to come

[Mischenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative unfolds with the arrival of a young, orphaned girl, Heidi, at the home of her paternal grandfather. He isn’t happy about her being there as he’s been somewhat of a recluse in recent years; however, Heidi’s spirit quickly wins him over. Her days become filled with the simple, profound joys of nature. She develops an indissoluble bond with new friends, animals, and the beautiful surroundings. This is abruptly interrupted when Heidi is thrust into a new life in Frankfurt.

The illustrations are beautiful and story kept similar to the classic. My youngest daughter devoured it. Personally, I’d hoped for more of an ending. This is a keeper regardless.

5*****

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Johanna Spyri's 1880/1881 Swiss orphan themed novel Heidi (which was originally published in two volumes, namely Heidis Lehr- und Wanderjahre and Heidi kann brauchen was es gelernt hat) is one of my all-time favourite stories, both for my inner child and also just as much for adult me (first and foremost the German original, of course and which I have read at least twenty or so times, although I have also perused and managed to appreciate some of the English language translations of Heidi as well, but indeed, only those that stick closely to Spyri's contents and are neither too abridged nor overly adapted). And with the above in mind, while I was definitely intrigued and tempted by the concept of a graphic novel adaptation of Heidi, I have also approached how Mariah Marsden textually and Ofride (Elena Bria) illustratively present their 2025 Heidi: A Graphic Novel with a lot of questions and equally with some misgivings (and that unfortunately, especially textually speaking, my worries concerning Heidi: A Graphic Novel were and remain pretty justified).

Yes, Marsden's adaptation of Heidi does decently enough present Johanna Spyri's original story thematics and contents wise (from Heidi arriving at her grandfather's alpine hut with her aunt Dete to after her sojourn in Frankfurt coming back to her grandfather) and that I do appreciate how unlike with her Anne of Green Gables graphic novel adaptation, for Heidi: A Graphic Novel Mariah Marsden provides a nicely educational biographic sketch of Spyri, not to mention that the information on Swiss culture and folklore is excellent, although I do think that the folklore blurb in Heidi: A Graphic Novel should also feature a list of titles for further reading (and that I also find it rather silly and strange how instead of reading religious hymns to Peter's blind grandmother from a favourite book she can no longer read because of her lost eyesight, Marsden instead has Heidi in Heidi: A Graphic Novel read stories of Gargantua and other Swiss folklore, since in Heidi the all all all encompassing joy and delight Johanna Spyri shows the blind grandmother as experiencing when Heidi takes her hymnal and reads the grandmother's favourite songs to her is so utterly sweetly delightful and wonderful, and this not appearing or rather appearing as majorly altered in Heidi: A Graphic Novel, it sort of textually breaks my heart a bit).

And while I actually quite enjoyed what Mariah Marsden textually did with the Anne of Green Gables graphic novel (although I admittedly kind of hated much of Brenna Thummler's artwork), sorry, but her adaptation in Heidi: A Graphic Novel is for me only adequate at best, leaves out way way too much, becomes jumpy, all over the place and has some huge and majorly infuriating story holes. So as an example (with this being not the only issue I have encountered with Heidi: A Graphic Novel but one which totally and weirdly personally chafes), we really do not understand from Marsden's words alone in Heidi: A Graphic Novel why Heidi is always hoarding bread rolls in Frankfurt to take them back to Peter's grandmother, since unlike with Johanna Spyri, we are not told in Heidi: A Graphic Novel that Peter's grandmother has trouble chewing hard whole wheat bread but that Peter's mother does not make enough money to purchase soft white bread (and furthermore, and even more making me textually cringe, I totally and hugely despise Mariah Marsden's very much changed, her rather hugely altered ending of Heidi: A Graphic Novel, where Clara is still wheelchair bound and does not recover as she does in Johanna Spyri's original and which has always made me just so so hugely smile).

Finally, while Spyri also provides much humour (and a copious amount of social satire) in and throughout Heidi, with especially Peter often behaving and acting like a clown, like a fool, with Clara's tutor and even more so her governess Fräulein Rottenmeier both being portrayed sarcastically and with multiple bitingly witty asides from Johanna Spyri, and that the episode with the kittens is also really funny in Heidi, as well as to a point how Heidi's sleepwalking totally freaks out Sebastian in a rather entertaining manner, sorry, but NONE of said humour has been in my humble opinion even somewhat transferred from Spyri's pen to Marsden's words for Heidi: A Graphic Novel, that Heidi: A Graphic Novel is textually alright but does not really do verbal justice to Johanna Spyri's narrational richness for Heidi, that Mariah Marsden's words for Heidi: A Graphic Novel do leave me rather hugely frustrated.

And just to point out that albeit I do find Ofride's artwork pretty fantastic, that I do think Elena Bia's colourful accompanying illustrations for Heidi: A Graphic Novel is visually delightful, providing a nicely realistic and historically accurate portrait of late 19th century Switzerland and Frankfurt am Main, Germany, with the pictures of the Swiss landscape and the Alps appearing as absolutely visually spectacular, as aesthetically stunning (and that I in fact do enjoy Ofride's artwork for Heidi: A Graphic Novel quite a bit more than what Mariah Marsden textually provides), well, I do still think it rather strangely disconcerting (and not at all in accordance with Johanna Spyri) how in the pictures for Heidi: A Graphic Novel, Peter's house looks quite large and not really like the small and poorly built wooden hut of Spyri's text, that words and pictures work decently enough in Heidi: A Graphic Novel but not all that realistically and accurately regarding the verbal and visual depiction of 19th century Swiss alpine poverty. So for me, Heidi: A Graphic Novel has been mildly entertaining, somewhat engaging but definitely not in any way outstanding and thus rates only as a very low three stars (although Marsden's textual adaptation is actually worth only two stars for me, that Ofride's pictures is what makes Heidi: A Graphic Novel three stars (although I do think that my three star rating for the combination of text and image in Heidi: A Graphic Novel is indeed and in fact quite majorly generous of me).

Last but not least (I promise), I do enjoy that both textually and also visually (as well as nicely realistically) Mariah Marsden and Ofride in one panel of Heidi: A Graphic Novel feature the famous German cake known as Frankfurter Kranz (Frankfurt Wreath in English, an absolutely delicious and sinfully rich sponge-like cake with butter cream icing both inside and outside), although it would be even better if a recipe for Frankfurter Kranz were included.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely companion to Heidi (though I would recommend reading the book first to fully appreciate this graphic novel).

[suonnahbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi graphic novel by Marie Marsden and Ofride
Omg this graphic novel is Gorgeous and an adorable story about family, friendship, nature and more. I loved Heidi’s care free spirit, she’s adorable and so sweet. The drawings in this book are truly stunning I felt like I truly was there in the Swiss Alps. This made me want to go on a cabin trip. This book was adorable.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up with the isao takahata version of this story and it’s such a profoundly huge part of me that I actually gasped when I saw this graphic novel edition. How did I not know about this sooner? Maybe it’s the nostalgia but something about Heidi always makes me so emotional what a timeless beautiful story and the art was perfect

[Isabelle Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww! This graphic novel is so very sweet. I'm a huge fan of the original Heidi novel, and while I haven't reread the book in a while, I loved the graphic novel adaptation! The illustrations are gorgeous, and I loved all the tidbits of info that were at the back of the book (flora and fauna of the Alps, Swiss traditions and folklore). Heidi's character is so sweet and wild and free and I loved her friendship with Clara! I do not, however, like Rottenmeier. Not one bit. She is terrible.

While I do feel as though the shortness of the graphic novel leaves out some of the depth and detail of the original, overall, it is still a wonderful read!! I'd highly recommend it to fans of Heidi or for any middle graders looking for a short, beautiful graphic novel!

[Nicole Magolan]

omg, I love Mariah Marsden's graphic novel adaptations and I love Heidi! Can't wait to read this. 🥰

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Heidi and saw the Shirley Temple movie on a rerun channel when I was younger. I enjoyed this graphic novel. The story had lovely pictures and was easy to follow. I especially liked the history notes at the end of the book about the author, the culture in that era, and the book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine. All opinions are my own.

[Kassie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve actually never read this story so this was my first introduction to it! I loved it so much and loved the illustrations!!

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book!
There is minimal text so it prob would be great for struggling readers. I still prefer the full version of the story but this is a special addition.

[biblioteca_olvidada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volvi a los Alpes y leer esta versión fue pura felicidad. 

Según pasaba las páginas y veía las ilustraciones (preciosas debo decir), era imposible no teletransportarme directamente a la serie de dibujos que veía de niña. Esas imágenes me activaron recuerdos preciosos y una nostalgia que me ha reconfortado el alma. 📺💚


​Me encantó reencontrarme con Heidi ahora, 

desde mi perspectiva adulta. Esa forma que tiene de ver el mundo, con una mirada tan pura, limpia y una generosidad desbordante, te limpia a ti también por dentro. Es imposible no quererla.


​Tengo que confesarlo… ¡Tengo debilidad por la abuelita de Pedro! Es un personaje que me llega al corazón cada vez que aparece.


Me emocioné muchísimo, entre las ocurrencias de la pequeña Heidi y la forma en que se van destapando las emociones a medida que avanzas, es imposible no soltar alguna lagrimilla de felicidad.


​Es un libro que se siente corto, ¡ojalá hubiese sido mucho más largo porque me he quedado con ganas de más! 


Si buscáis una lectura que os devuelva la sonrisa y os abrace el corazón, esta novela gráfica es un acierto seguro. 📖💫

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork in Heidi is absolutely stunning. The illustrations feature bright pastel hues, with lovely shades of blue and green for the sky, leaves and grass. The Swiss Alps are depicted so perfectly, rising majestically across the pages with wildflowers scattered along the mountainside and fun pages of Peter herding the goats. It evokes memories of watching The Sound of Music, particularly the iconic scene where Maria is twirling in the meadow.

Key scenes from the original classic are present, like Aunt Dete bringing Heidi to live with her grandfather in the Alps, his initial awkwardness and gruffness with her being left with him and how they gradually soften and warm up to one another. The illustrations beautifully depict rural life, the changing seasons, and the contrast between Heidi's time in the mountains versus living in the city with Clara.

Included within the book is a bibliography of Johanna Spyri, a photograph of the original cover of the German edition of Heidi's Lehr-Und Wanderjahre (Heidi's Year of Wandering and Learning). There's a map of Switzerland, helpful information about Swiss folklore, crafts, and celebrations as well as descriptions of the plants and animals found in the Alps. There's even a list of the various adaptations that have been made of the classic book, to include games and movies. Such a wonderful story and I can't wait to purchase my own copy.

Other graphic novel adaptions by Mariah Marsden include The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables. I'm looking forward to reading these as well very soon.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mariah Marsden’s adaptation of the Spyri classic Heidi was wonderful in heart and art (panels by Ofride) right up until the end…because it wasn’t the end.

Marsden’s brief text captured the gentle, free spirit of young Heidi, the love she gave to her cranky grandfather, Peter the goatherd and her chosen grandmother in town, and the key players in Herr Sesemann’s house in Frankfurt. She also was able to convey the heaviness of Heidi’s homesickness that drove her to sleepwalk! Marsden’s simple words combined with the outstanding illustrations really did a fantastic job. So why then, didn’t the duo finish the story with Heidi’s return to her beloved mountain and Clara’s subsequent regained ability to walk? It would have only taken a dozen or so additional pages but lovers of the original work are going to feel as I did and significantly “zing” an otherwise beautiful graphic adaptation and take away several stars.

Despite its glaring omission of the rightful conclusion, elementary readers of warm-hearted stories are sure to love this one.

Thanks for providing me with an eARC, Edelweiss.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I would have liked this more if I hadn't read it right after I finished the original book. The illustrations are beautiful! I loved the artwork style. But the actual adaptation left a lot out and changed parts of the story. The original has a lot of Christian themes, and this adaptation took every single mention of God or church out of the narrative, which felt so disconnected and unfaithful to the author's original intent and the heart of the story. It also completely changed the ending of Clara's story, which I can understand seems unrealistic in the original, but I feel like a graphic novel adaptation should in most ways stay faithful to the source material. Just personal preference I guess.

5 stars for the illustrations
2 for the adaptation

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Stars and a huge shout out to my friend, Shannon, for the recommendation. I've always dug my heels in against reading classics, probably due to HAVING to read them in school. I could not understand why people liked them so much. I know this is one of Shannon's favorites and when she mentioned that she found, read and loved the illustrated graphic novel and she thought it would be a good introduction for me, I was willing to give it a try. The illustrations are amazing and the storyline has me adding the original version to my TBR pile. I also plan to read The Secret Garden now too as this is a good gateway taste of the classics for me.

[BritSG · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series of adaptions by Marsden, and so I was very excited to see that she was doing Heidi. Ofride’s anime style illustrations are wonderful, and the colors are so vibrant! But why why why did Marsden choose to dispose of Spyri’s original ending??? And she didn’t even replace it with a different kind of climax or story twist. It’s like there is no ending. Just kids saying “ok, well… goodbye.” If Marsden disliked the original conclusion she could have left Heidi alone and wrote her own book. I’m really curious to understand what she was thinking.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Heidi is near and dear to me, having grown up with the anime cartoon. This graphic novel was done beautifully, and there was more to the story than I remembered. I loved getting to share it with my 2 daughters too!

[D.T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not as familiar with the story of Heidi, but the art style is charming.

There are some passages without words that probably skim over the story, but I didn't notice anything that took away from the narrative

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable read. The illustrations are beautiful. The story is charming. Quick and relaxing read. I will definitely add this to my “to read again” shelf. PS: Don’t forget to read the author’s notes after the story! It’s worth it.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such beautiful illustrations! I love the expressions on the characters faces and feel like it captures the essence of Heidi very well. It’s been a long time since I read the original novel, I think I’ll plan a read sometime in the near future.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh this was so beautiful and I cried while reading it
I kept going back in memory to the times I visited beautiful Switzerland and I felt for Heidi who got stuck in the city 💔
Can’t wait to finish the book!💜💜

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy score for me, having grown up with the story of Heidi and sharing it with my own kids. Enjoyed the adaptation, loved the illustrations (relishing the many “quiet” pages without dialogue), and appreciated the additional bibliographic, historical, and cultural notes at the end.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marsden’s illustration style is absolutely breathtaking and very fitting for the story of Heidi!

[Emvee ⚔ Woman Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was BEAUUUUTIFUL!

Peter is such a little bitch.

[✨️Morgan In Wonderland✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these!!!

[Loreley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice graphics, but why change the ending??

[sladana blagojevic · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Love Heidi (seriously one of my all time favorite books) but this was, in my humble opinion, too short. ❤️

[Marsha Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful graphic illustration, perfect adaptation of this story for a youth audience of readers.

[Literarykittens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic story + cute illustrations