Swiss Holiday

Mountain Adventures #1

by Elizabeth Yates, John Roberts (Illustrator)

Michael and Meredith Lamb, who live in England, are intrigued when their adventurous Uncle Tony invites them to accompany him on a trip to the Swiss Alps. In Switzerland they meet warm-hearted people, explore the countryside, and best of all, make friends with Fritz, who teaches them the art of mountain climbing.

Genres: Childrens, Juvenile

154 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1938

About the author

Elizabeth Yates, author of over forty books for children, was born in New York State on December 6th, 1905. Determined to be an author, she moved to New York City to launch her career. She worked a variety of jobs including reviewing book, writing short stories, and doing research. She moved to England with her husband and wrote her first book, High Holiday, based on her travels in Switzerland with her three children. The family returned to the U.S. in 1939 and settled in New Hampshire. Yates won the Newbery Award in 1951 for her book, Amos Fortune, Free Man, a biography of an African prince who is enslaved and taken to America.

Yates conducted writer's workshops at the University of New Hampshire, the University of Connecticut, and Indiana University. She also served as the Director of the New Hampshire Association for the Blind.

Yates was widowed in 1963. Elizabeth Yates died Sunday at a hospice in Concord, New Hampshire on July 29, 2001 at the age of 95.

Elizabeth Yates' books have been described as "the result of extensive research, a strong underlying belief in God, and a vivid imagination."

Reviews

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
This was a charming story. It wasn't dramatic and exciting, but it also wasn't dull and boring.
I could easily picture myself there with Michael and Merry as they spent their holiday in Switzerland climbing mountains. It made me want to visit the Swiss Alps. I think my favorite parts were when Merry made sure to tuck in at least one book in her pack before their climbs because she might have time to read it on the mountain.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant way to learn about mountaineering. This book will stretch a child's vocabulary and boundaries as they read an enjoyable book that is set in a little village in Switzerland.