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Cornelli wird erzogen: Eine Geschichte für Kinder
Die jungen Buchen grünten wieder am rauschenden Illerbach. Ein sausender Südwind schüttelte die leichten Wipfel hin und her und ließ das helle Grün einmal im Sonnenschein flimmern, dann schnell wieder von dunkeln Schatten überflogen werden; denn der mächtige Wind trieb alle Augenblicke die großen ziehenden Wolken über die Sonne hin. Durch das Wäldchen jagte, einmal vom Winde getrieben, einmal dem Wind entgegen, ein kleines Mädchen mit hochroten Wangen und fliegenden Haaren, die Augen voll Feuer und Lebenslust. Der runde Hut, der auf den Kopf gehörte, hing am Arme des Kindes und wurde in dem jähen Lauf so heftig auf- und niedergeschwungen, dass er jeden Augenblick von den Bändern reißen und ins Weite fliegen konnte. Jetzt sauste der Wind etwas ferner, unter den Bäumen wurde es stiller. Die Kleine stellte ihr Jagen ein und fing an zu singen ...
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1892
12 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Johanna Spyri
1,308 books972 followersJohanna Spyri was a Swiss author of children's stories, best known for Heidi. Born Johanna Louise Heusser in the rural area of Hirzel, Switzerland, as a child she spent several summers in the area around Chur in Graubünden, the setting she later would use in her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 24, 2021
Cornelli is only ten years old, and her whole world is about to change. Her father decides that Cornelli needs a mother-figure in her life, and invites a sharp adult cousin to visit and give Cornelli an "education" in manners. Cornelli is forced to "speak when spoken to" and sit up straight and always be perfectly tidy. She is not allowed to run or shout. She is not allowed to visit the newborn goat kid in the barn. Her cousin tells her that if she is disagreeable then no one will ever like her, and if she is disobedient then devil's horns will grow out of her forehead. Cornelli is terrified, and her father is confused about why his sweet daughter is suddenly sullen and obstinate. It will take the love of a special family and the advice of a kind neighbor lady to soothe Cornelli's fears and bring her sweet personality back.
I loved this book so much! I liked the simple writing style that takes deep themes and explains them with common sense. The story line is full of deep character analysis, and I loved seeing how the relationships between the characters unfolded. And yet, it is simple and plain enough for a child to read and understand.
I adored Cornelli's character! She has such a complex and sensitive personality. Her character arc is very similar to Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden. She has a sweet nature and merry disposition, but she is plagued by fears that everyone will hate her. She is downtrodden and depressed by her older cousin who bullies her. But gradually we see her natural personality blossom again when she is surrounded by love and kindness once more.
I love the supporting characters who help Cornelli and show her affection! Mrs. Halm is so patient with Cornelli and provides a safe haven for her. The entire Halm family is so sweet, but not too saccharine. They have their own sorrows and difficulties that make them fractious and even unfriendly at times. It just makes their characters more interesting!
The truest friend who sticks with Cornelli through it all is the old neighbor lady, Martha. She is wise and kind and always points Cornelli to God as the best help in times of trouble. The two pray together and Martha reminds Cornelli to trust in God's providence. It's very touching and emotional! I love the spiritual messages in this book!
Cornelli's father is not really a bad guy; he's just so busy with his work, and he does not really know what children need. He is smart enough to rely on the wisdom of others to help him rear his child, but doesn't always select the best counselors (like that horrible cousin).
I loved this book so much! I liked the simple writing style that takes deep themes and explains them with common sense. The story line is full of deep character analysis, and I loved seeing how the relationships between the characters unfolded. And yet, it is simple and plain enough for a child to read and understand.
I adored Cornelli's character! She has such a complex and sensitive personality. Her character arc is very similar to Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden. She has a sweet nature and merry disposition, but she is plagued by fears that everyone will hate her. She is downtrodden and depressed by her older cousin who bullies her. But gradually we see her natural personality blossom again when she is surrounded by love and kindness once more.
I love the supporting characters who help Cornelli and show her affection! Mrs. Halm is so patient with Cornelli and provides a safe haven for her. The entire Halm family is so sweet, but not too saccharine. They have their own sorrows and difficulties that make them fractious and even unfriendly at times. It just makes their characters more interesting!
The truest friend who sticks with Cornelli through it all is the old neighbor lady, Martha. She is wise and kind and always points Cornelli to God as the best help in times of trouble. The two pray together and Martha reminds Cornelli to trust in God's providence. It's very touching and emotional! I love the spiritual messages in this book!
Cornelli's father is not really a bad guy; he's just so busy with his work, and he does not really know what children need. He is smart enough to rely on the wisdom of others to help him rear his child, but doesn't always select the best counselors (like that horrible cousin).
April 5, 2020
Many writers have suffered injustice in being known as the author of but one book. Such has been the fate of Johanna Spyri, the Swiss authoress, whose reputation is mistakenly supposed to rest on her story of Heidi. To be sure, Heidi is a book that in its field can hardly be overpraised. But the present story is possessed of a deeper treatment of character, combined with equal spirit and humor of a different kind. Cornelli, the heroine, suffers temporarily from the unjust suspicion of her elders, a misfortune which, it is to be feared, still occurs frequently in the case of sensitive children….
My Thoughts: I loved reading Cornelli during my childhood and perused it many times over the years. My copy was a hardcover version given to my mother in her childhood, which she then passed on to me. I loved the colorful illustrations, which immediately refreshed my memories of the various scenes of the story.
As I read it again in its Kindle format, I brought out my print format so that I could check the illustrations once again.
The story was an emotional one for me, as the feelings aroused in childhood were elicited once again as the story unfolded: a tale of strict caretakers and a sensitive child, a combination of events that led to the opposite outcome the adults had hoped to see.
I was pleased once again that a kind older woman helped Cornelli’s father to understand what had happened to her and assisted him in turning things around. Another family was also part of the solution.
I loved rereading my childhood favorite on my Kindle. 5 stars.
My Thoughts: I loved reading Cornelli during my childhood and perused it many times over the years. My copy was a hardcover version given to my mother in her childhood, which she then passed on to me. I loved the colorful illustrations, which immediately refreshed my memories of the various scenes of the story.
As I read it again in its Kindle format, I brought out my print format so that I could check the illustrations once again.
The story was an emotional one for me, as the feelings aroused in childhood were elicited once again as the story unfolded: a tale of strict caretakers and a sensitive child, a combination of events that led to the opposite outcome the adults had hoped to see.
I was pleased once again that a kind older woman helped Cornelli’s father to understand what had happened to her and assisted him in turning things around. Another family was also part of the solution.
I loved rereading my childhood favorite on my Kindle. 5 stars.
March 9, 2018
Johanna Spyri's writing is always wonderful! My heart just cried for poor little Cornelli. Children who misunderstand/are misunderstood by the adults in their lives make me want to walk into the book and shake someone (usually not the child) more than just about any other plot device. And it lasted for such a long time!
I was so glad when Dino's visit finally brought them together. His sunny friendliness was perfect for Cornelli, and they made a really adorable pair. I just love it when children try to fix things for each other, even when they have no idea what they're talking about. And when Cornelli finally paid her own visit, I knew good things were sure to come. Mrs. Halm was a wonderful mother, to Cornelli as well as her own children, and little Mux was so much fun!
Of course, everything wrapped up beautifully and with strong messages about trusting God's will over our own plans and desires. But I think my favorite takeaway was the way Cornelli's trials brought her a deeper compassion and desire to help others. I'd have been a little happier if the children's unkind remarks about Trina had been corrected, but the way Cornelli empathized with her and tried to take care of her was very sweet.
I was so glad when Dino's visit finally brought them together. His sunny friendliness was perfect for Cornelli, and they made a really adorable pair. I just love it when children try to fix things for each other, even when they have no idea what they're talking about. And when Cornelli finally paid her own visit, I knew good things were sure to come. Mrs. Halm was a wonderful mother, to Cornelli as well as her own children, and little Mux was so much fun!
Of course, everything wrapped up beautifully and with strong messages about trusting God's will over our own plans and desires. But I think my favorite takeaway was the way Cornelli's trials brought her a deeper compassion and desire to help others. I'd have been a little happier if the children's unkind remarks about Trina had been corrected, but the way Cornelli empathized with her and tried to take care of her was very sweet.
December 10, 2020
I really enjoy Spyri`s writing style and the way she crafts adorable characters and conveys love for the country life.
This book is about the attempt to make a civilized young woman out of Cornelli and that is were the problem start. Part of the book is extremely frustrating: the two women trying to improve Cornelli are terrible at their job, which is intentional, however seeing the young, formerly friendly girl suffer and none of the, normally loving, adults around her stand up for her does not make for a great reading experience. I just think Spyri went a bit to far with it.
There is also the story of a friendship and a more competent attempt at raising Cornelli in the story and most of the characters I really liked, though how her life is almost ruined before leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, even if it does lead to a good moral.
This book is about the attempt to make a civilized young woman out of Cornelli and that is were the problem start. Part of the book is extremely frustrating: the two women trying to improve Cornelli are terrible at their job, which is intentional, however seeing the young, formerly friendly girl suffer and none of the, normally loving, adults around her stand up for her does not make for a great reading experience. I just think Spyri went a bit to far with it.
There is also the story of a friendship and a more competent attempt at raising Cornelli in the story and most of the characters I really liked, though how her life is almost ruined before leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, even if it does lead to a good moral.
December 30, 2015
I just finished recording this for Librivox. I first read it in 2011, and I had forgotten much of it. It is a truly delightful story and, as usual, I resonate with Spyri's protagonist SO MUCH. I have often wondered whether Spyri was such a child herself - misunderstood, sensitive, alone - or if she just happened to land on a formula that worked well. I tend to think it was the former, because it seems so achingly portrayed, but who knows.
I do have to say the ending is not what I had originally anticipated, though perhaps some things must be read between the lines.
I do have to say the ending is not what I had originally anticipated, though perhaps some things must be read between the lines.
July 22, 2013
When we were children we just loved Heidi. We would drink cereal milk or soup from our bowls and pretend we were on the Alp with the Alm Uncle, and play all sorts of things inspired by the book. Our mother read it aloud to us from a book she had as a child. Being oldest I heard it at least three times and read it myself in between.
It was with pleasure that I discovered Cornelli in the Nook books. It is much like Heidi in spirit and tone. It is an old fashioned book about a lively spirited girl. I would have loved this as a child.
It was with pleasure that I discovered Cornelli in the Nook books. It is much like Heidi in spirit and tone. It is an old fashioned book about a lively spirited girl. I would have loved this as a child.
May 5, 2024
eponymous sentence:
p7: "Stop, Martha, stop, please!" Cornelli called out suddenly, pulling her skirt away.
ocr:
p71: Cornelli' had heard her father coming into the house and had heard the ladies' joyful words of welcome.
Not many books end with a question.
p7: "Stop, Martha, stop, please!" Cornelli called out suddenly, pulling her skirt away.
ocr:
p71: Cornelli' had heard her father coming into the house and had heard the ladies' joyful words of welcome.
Not many books end with a question.
February 16, 2009
In my opinion this book has much more depth than "Heidi". The characters are more detailed and the story line is more captivating. Again, I enjoyed the spiritual aspect. I believe this kind of story helps to show children how their actions (and reactions) can cause consequences. It also helps to understand how to deal with problems life throws our way and overcome them. It can show us the importance of appreciating what we have- Which I think is detrimental for children to understand nowadays.
November 21, 2016
A sensitive child Cornelli undergoes a radical change when put under the care of an autocratic aunt who does not understand her, while her father is away. A loving family she discovers through a convalescing boy who comes to the neighbourhood helps her regain her lost confidence and establish herself as a good-natured girl in eyes of her father.
February 2, 2024
Physical book Review from 2/2/24: I love this story so much, it’s just so beautiful and has so much heart. Little Cornelli is such a vibrant and happy girl, until her father leaves her with his cousin and her companion who become so harsh and judgmental with their cold attitudes towards her. She withdraws so heavily inside herself becoming so fearful and full of anxiety. I adore how she goes to stay with her friend and his family that she feels important and loved and can slowly feel herself again.
I cried throughout reading this, the painful things she feels and go through just break my heart so much. She was such a wonderful child with so much love and joy to spread to everyone around her. I really love this character and the family that stays with, it’s all so wonderful.
The setting of the book at Illerstream is just so vibrant and stunning, you are transported instantly to this firehouse place, with the fruit trees, the blooming flowers, the animals. It is all so stunning that you are instantly transported to this beautiful luscious location.
If you haven’t ever read Cornelli or maybe you don’t even know what it is I will tell you now it’s a worthwhile read as it is so beautiful. If you are a Hedi or Anne of Green Gables or Pollyanna fan it has similar themes and a similar style to these other classic books. It is one of my all time favourite books and the story is stunning and so heartfelt.
Audiobook Review From 12/9/2020: This story is so beautiful written, it takes you away to somewhere so heavenly, illestream.
The story follows young Cornelli as her life changes and she changes with it but not for the better. Her Cousin Kitty comes to care take after her and forces Cornelli to change to no longer be her happy and fun loving girl she once was. Leaving the girl in depression and fear, but her life changes once more and that will be for the better.
I loved loved loved this story seriously it was so sweet, but sad and I really hated her cousin and wanted to protect Cornelli against her evil, Cornelli didn’t deserve that bad treatment she got. She was lovely and fun loving, always had fun things to do and learn.
I’m so surprised I hadn’t heard of this story at all before as Heidi is one of my all time favourite books but this does not disappoint in anyway at all. It’s so incredibly written and thought out, it’s got great characters and great friendships created, a whole family of people that you will love so quickly.
Narrator review: Jael Baldwin was actually very good, at the beginning I wasn’t certain due to interference and it cutting off a few times, but as you get past that she is a very clear, passionate narrator, she takes you to this beautiful world with dedication. I enjoyed having her as the narrator for this story.
I cried throughout reading this, the painful things she feels and go through just break my heart so much. She was such a wonderful child with so much love and joy to spread to everyone around her. I really love this character and the family that stays with, it’s all so wonderful.
The setting of the book at Illerstream is just so vibrant and stunning, you are transported instantly to this firehouse place, with the fruit trees, the blooming flowers, the animals. It is all so stunning that you are instantly transported to this beautiful luscious location.
If you haven’t ever read Cornelli or maybe you don’t even know what it is I will tell you now it’s a worthwhile read as it is so beautiful. If you are a Hedi or Anne of Green Gables or Pollyanna fan it has similar themes and a similar style to these other classic books. It is one of my all time favourite books and the story is stunning and so heartfelt.
Audiobook Review From 12/9/2020: This story is so beautiful written, it takes you away to somewhere so heavenly, illestream.
The story follows young Cornelli as her life changes and she changes with it but not for the better. Her Cousin Kitty comes to care take after her and forces Cornelli to change to no longer be her happy and fun loving girl she once was. Leaving the girl in depression and fear, but her life changes once more and that will be for the better.
I loved loved loved this story seriously it was so sweet, but sad and I really hated her cousin and wanted to protect Cornelli against her evil, Cornelli didn’t deserve that bad treatment she got. She was lovely and fun loving, always had fun things to do and learn.
I’m so surprised I hadn’t heard of this story at all before as Heidi is one of my all time favourite books but this does not disappoint in anyway at all. It’s so incredibly written and thought out, it’s got great characters and great friendships created, a whole family of people that you will love so quickly.
Narrator review: Jael Baldwin was actually very good, at the beginning I wasn’t certain due to interference and it cutting off a few times, but as you get past that she is a very clear, passionate narrator, she takes you to this beautiful world with dedication. I enjoyed having her as the narrator for this story.
May 26, 2012
Sweet book. Very evocative tale of a simple life.
January 22, 2023
First sentence: Spring had come again on the banks of the Iller-Stream, and the young beech trees were swaying to and fro. One moment their glossy foliage was sparkling in the sunshine, and the next a deep shadow was cast over the leaves. A strong south wind was blowing, driving huge clouds across the sun.
Premise/plot: Cornelli Hellmut is an easy-going, pleasant daughter until her father goes away on an extended business trip leaving his cousin, Kitty Dorner, and another young woman, Miss Grideelen, to "educate" Cornelli. He returns to find Cornelli radically changed--and not for the better. He's puzzled, but thinks the solution is to send her away to boarding school. Dear, kind, loving Martha is a godsend. She is able to talk a little sense into both of them....
So Martha--dear that she is--let her spare room to a (sick) city boy, Dino Halm. (This was while Director Hellmut was away on business). Dino and Cornelli become good friends despite a less than great first impression. So soon after her father's return, he receives a letter from Dino's mother requesting Cornelli come for a visit. (This is the kind of visit that happened on Gilligan's Island, not really, but still).
When father and daughter are reunited--about eighteen months later???--he's in for a big surprise. (But this time a good one).
My thoughts: I absolutely love, love, love Dino's family--his mom, Agnes, Niko, and Mux. I really like Cornelli. I did love Martha. So many of the characters just felt like FRIENDS within a short period of time.
The story is old-fashioned certainly. It was originally published in 1892. It definitely has Christian themes and values. But I don't think it is as insufferable as it could have been. (I'll try to explain). The book that comes to mind is Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley. It is NOT as insufferable as that. (I made it through the first book and part of the second book). To clarify, having Christian themes and values does not make it automatically insufferable. It doesn't. But I think characters have to be developed (they are) and the dialogue has to be strong (it is).
The book does have a tied in a neat bow ending. (I don't mind). There are some characters that are absolutely clueless and you wonder how they function at life. (The dad). There are some characters that you just want to yell and scream at (like the cousin and her friend). But I found it an engaging read. Definitely glad I read this one.
Premise/plot: Cornelli Hellmut is an easy-going, pleasant daughter until her father goes away on an extended business trip leaving his cousin, Kitty Dorner, and another young woman, Miss Grideelen, to "educate" Cornelli. He returns to find Cornelli radically changed--and not for the better. He's puzzled, but thinks the solution is to send her away to boarding school. Dear, kind, loving Martha is a godsend. She is able to talk a little sense into both of them....
So Martha--dear that she is--let her spare room to a (sick) city boy, Dino Halm. (This was while Director Hellmut was away on business). Dino and Cornelli become good friends despite a less than great first impression. So soon after her father's return, he receives a letter from Dino's mother requesting Cornelli come for a visit. (This is the kind of visit that happened on Gilligan's Island, not really, but still).
When father and daughter are reunited--about eighteen months later???--he's in for a big surprise. (But this time a good one).
My thoughts: I absolutely love, love, love Dino's family--his mom, Agnes, Niko, and Mux. I really like Cornelli. I did love Martha. So many of the characters just felt like FRIENDS within a short period of time.
The story is old-fashioned certainly. It was originally published in 1892. It definitely has Christian themes and values. But I don't think it is as insufferable as it could have been. (I'll try to explain). The book that comes to mind is Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley. It is NOT as insufferable as that. (I made it through the first book and part of the second book). To clarify, having Christian themes and values does not make it automatically insufferable. It doesn't. But I think characters have to be developed (they are) and the dialogue has to be strong (it is).
The book does have a tied in a neat bow ending. (I don't mind). There are some characters that are absolutely clueless and you wonder how they function at life. (The dad). There are some characters that you just want to yell and scream at (like the cousin and her friend). But I found it an engaging read. Definitely glad I read this one.
May 5, 2021
Written by the author of Heidi, and the main character, Cornelli, is motherless, but instead of sending her to a kindly grandfather in the mountains, her father imports an elderly cousin and her friend who turn out to be caretakers from hell. Strangely, though, the absent father doesn’t mind too much. The caretakers call Cornelli terrible names and do all they can to destroy her self esteem, but she weathers it all. A kindly family comes to her rescue, and eventually the caretakers are sent packing. Overall an OK read.
November 15, 2025
So in the edition I read, the preface was like 'Why Is This Not As Well Known As Heidi, This Is Very Disappointing?!?!'
Dear preface author, have you even read both books? Cornelli's just not as good.
It's a lovely book, and it's fine, but doesn't hold a candle to Heidi.
Plus I was grumpy the
this book is freely available on Project Gutenberg
Dear preface author, have you even read both books? Cornelli's just not as good.
It's a lovely book, and it's fine, but doesn't hold a candle to Heidi.
Plus I was grumpy the
this book is freely available on Project Gutenberg
March 21, 2020
I definitely didn't enjoy this as much as Heidi, but it had the same charm. Looking forward to reading more by Spyri.
February 15, 2021
Odd little tale from the author of “Heidi”. Lots of good period details, however.
December 31, 2021
What a beautiful story!
June 12, 2022
Heartwarming story of it’s time ☺️
June 15, 2023
4 historias bellas. Amé
July 27, 2023
A delightful coming of age story in a way. Explores the power of words, encouragement, and critique.
October 19, 2023
My heart ached for Cornelli who reminded me so much of myself. The anger which was sizzling inside me cooled and I slowly took it off the pan, admiring the golden brown and letting it go.
August 2, 2024
Es ist ein wundervolles Buch, das die Geschichte des kleinen Mädchen Cornelli erzählt.
Zwar ist es in älterer Sprache, aber genau das macht das Buch so bezaubernd.
Ich würde es immer und immer wieder lesen, auch wenn ich erst 15 Jahre bin.
Ich liebe dieses Buch sehr und würde es jedem empfehlen, der gerne von schönen Landschaften träumt und idyllische Orte mag.
Zwar ist es in älterer Sprache, aber genau das macht das Buch so bezaubernd.
Ich würde es immer und immer wieder lesen, auch wenn ich erst 15 Jahre bin.
Ich liebe dieses Buch sehr und würde es jedem empfehlen, der gerne von schönen Landschaften träumt und idyllische Orte mag.
November 30, 2025
Cornelli is a sweet story ! I love how God is woven throughout her encounters with Martha and what joy is brought after Cornelli has been dealing with some challenges. I also enjoyed how true kindness is taught and passed down to children who pass it down to generations. Insights: The country is always beautiful and necessary, truly ! Our words build up or tear down, especially young children. Kindness can change everything and generosity is beautiful. 🩵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2024
There is a reason Johanna Spyri is known for Heidi and not Cornelli. This is the story of an emotionally and verbally abused child who is gaslit by every adult in her life until she bursts into song with her beautiful voice and then all her troubles melt away. I'm willing to try another book by Spyri albeit with some reluctance after this travesty.
June 25, 2015
It's really refreshing to find a book to read to my children with such an unapologetic Christian worldview. Christian literature produced today often reads like samizdat propaganda because it comes from a subculture at odds with the mainstream. This is something different -- literature written by a believing Christian, at a time when Christianity was mainstream.
December 21, 2010
I remember it was the first long book "without pictures" that I read, and that I was so happy, because though I was young I always wanted to read more and more. This book introduced to the sweet and fascinating literary world that I've lived in my childhood.
June 28, 2011
I had never realized that Spyri had written other books than Heidi. I was delighted to find that she had written several books.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews