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Heidi by Johanna Spyri: Annotated
Heidi is a work of children’s fiction published in 1881by Swiss auther Johanna Spyri, originally published in two parts as her years of wandering and learning ( Heidis Lehr- und Wanderjahre) and How She Used What She Learned ( Heidi kann brauchen, was es gelernt. At five years old, little vagrant Heidi is shipped off live with her granddad in the Alps. Everybody in the town fears him, however Heidi is entranced by his long facial hair and ragged dark eyebrows. She cherishes her life in the mountains, playing in the daylight and growing up among the goats and winged creatures. Be that as it may, one horrible day, Heidi is gathered by her auntie and is made to live with another family around. Heidi can't tolerate being ceaselessly from her granddad; would she be able to discover a path back up the mountain, where she should be.GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2021
19 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Johanna Spyri
1,333 books1,002 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 24, 2022
Este año lo dediqué a la calma, ¿y acaso hay una historia con mayor calma que esta?
Aquí hay naturaleza, cabritas, viento, flores, una amistad muy pero que muy bonito, un abuelito que calienta su corazón, miradas adultas que comprenden. Esta historia es un abrazo fuerte para quienes estamos intranquilos. Lo recomiendo mucho.
Aquí hay naturaleza, cabritas, viento, flores, una amistad muy pero que muy bonito, un abuelito que calienta su corazón, miradas adultas que comprenden. Esta historia es un abrazo fuerte para quienes estamos intranquilos. Lo recomiendo mucho.
May 19, 2025
And what if I move to a tiny cottage in the Alps and start raising goats and little grandkids of mine? what then huh?
Now this was no Anne of Green Gables, howsoever, it was still a comforting cocoon of a book. I remember reading a short story earlier in my school days and I found it oddly off-putting? So I found myself not reaching for it, but now I thought it was about time. And I enjoyed it. It was cute.
Finally finally finally we got a grandmother that was wholesome- sadly I haven't read a lot about wholesome loving grandmothers in literature (recs will be welcomed) but this one was so adorable.
Now this was no Anne of Green Gables, howsoever, it was still a comforting cocoon of a book. I remember reading a short story earlier in my school days and I found it oddly off-putting? So I found myself not reaching for it, but now I thought it was about time. And I enjoyed it. It was cute.
Finally finally finally we got a grandmother that was wholesome- sadly I haven't read a lot about wholesome loving grandmothers in literature (recs will be welcomed) but this one was so adorable.
June 8, 2024
I LOVED this book!! What a story, a story that has stood the test of time! Just BEAUTIFUL!
February 19, 2025
such a wholesome and sweet book! Loved it :)
July 30, 2023
Again, another book that's even better to read again as an adult! I didn't it expect it to sing to my homeschool mama heart, but reading Heidi often made me reflect on the beginning of our homeschool journey. It was a sweet experience to talk about our first year with my eldest.
During the pandemic, after enduring many strict regulations over the summer, my daughter was struggling through day 5 of distance learning (almost 7 hours of sitting at a computer for instructions, up to 2 hours of online homework). She never complained, but I saw a huge change in her-- eating less, no interest in playing. Her lack of complaint scared me the most.
When her teacher skipped her break, I slammed the computer shut. We skipped outside to go swimming, and I decided at once that even if I was the worst homeschool parent in the world, anything was better than this. We had the most magical year together as a family.
When the year was over, when we began to return to the "old normal," it broke my heart that we were throwing away all we had learned and gained. I wanted a "new normal" made from the lessons we'd gleaned from an experience that shook the world. It was scary to take that leap because the pandemic and a cross-country move hadn't allowed us to integrate into our homeschool community, and I didn't know what to expect.
These words squeezed my heart:
"Heidi grew very brown and strong and healthy from this outdoor life, and she was as happy as the merry little birds in the trees in the green woods."
During the pandemic, this was actually a compliment I received from the pediatrician. She was concerned with how many children were struggling with Vitamin D deficiency and low muscle tone because kids were getting too much screen time, but my children were muscular and clearly spent the majority of their time outdoors.
There are many benefits to homeschooling, but this is one of my favorites! Instead of spending hours at school and a few hours outdoors, but kids are super motivated to finish their best work in a couple hours so they can spend all day outside in the woods, at the beach, at a museum, swimming with friends, playing with friends on the playground. My kids are very brown, healthy, and happy, and nothing could make me more delighted as a parent (except that they are also reading machines) and lack nothing on academics).
We had an excellent discussion about the importance of Heidi's education. Her grandfather cared deeply about her health and happiness, others were concerned about her academics. During the tug-of-war, which was more important? It was wonderful to see how learning to read and receiving an academic education blessed her community and gave Heidi the ability to help others. I had the opportunity to mention the quote "an education is the difference between wishing you could help others and being able to help them." However, we circled back around to the importance of going outside and being physically and mentally healthy. My eldest was worried about Heidi's mental health when she was cooped up inside away from people who loved her and cared about her whole being. We were glad when others were finally able to see the benefit of her living with her grandfather, who cared deeply about her entire person and finally came around to the idea of her receiving an education, although we were a little sad that she was no longer a homeschooler like our family. We only wish she had a CoOp and a few more friends for her hikes with Peter, like we do.
After we had so much to discuss, we came to the conclusion that there are many hard things required of us, but it's important to check in with ourselves to see if we're healthy and happy, and make a change if something doesn't feel right.
Aside from the homeschool aspect of this book, it's a very darling story. We laughed the entire way through and loved how Heidi was adored by all. We're very excited to watch the movie!
During the pandemic, after enduring many strict regulations over the summer, my daughter was struggling through day 5 of distance learning (almost 7 hours of sitting at a computer for instructions, up to 2 hours of online homework). She never complained, but I saw a huge change in her-- eating less, no interest in playing. Her lack of complaint scared me the most.
When her teacher skipped her break, I slammed the computer shut. We skipped outside to go swimming, and I decided at once that even if I was the worst homeschool parent in the world, anything was better than this. We had the most magical year together as a family.
When the year was over, when we began to return to the "old normal," it broke my heart that we were throwing away all we had learned and gained. I wanted a "new normal" made from the lessons we'd gleaned from an experience that shook the world. It was scary to take that leap because the pandemic and a cross-country move hadn't allowed us to integrate into our homeschool community, and I didn't know what to expect.
These words squeezed my heart:
"Heidi grew very brown and strong and healthy from this outdoor life, and she was as happy as the merry little birds in the trees in the green woods."
During the pandemic, this was actually a compliment I received from the pediatrician. She was concerned with how many children were struggling with Vitamin D deficiency and low muscle tone because kids were getting too much screen time, but my children were muscular and clearly spent the majority of their time outdoors.
There are many benefits to homeschooling, but this is one of my favorites! Instead of spending hours at school and a few hours outdoors, but kids are super motivated to finish their best work in a couple hours so they can spend all day outside in the woods, at the beach, at a museum, swimming with friends, playing with friends on the playground. My kids are very brown, healthy, and happy, and nothing could make me more delighted as a parent (except that they are also reading machines) and lack nothing on academics).
We had an excellent discussion about the importance of Heidi's education. Her grandfather cared deeply about her health and happiness, others were concerned about her academics. During the tug-of-war, which was more important? It was wonderful to see how learning to read and receiving an academic education blessed her community and gave Heidi the ability to help others. I had the opportunity to mention the quote "an education is the difference between wishing you could help others and being able to help them." However, we circled back around to the importance of going outside and being physically and mentally healthy. My eldest was worried about Heidi's mental health when she was cooped up inside away from people who loved her and cared about her whole being. We were glad when others were finally able to see the benefit of her living with her grandfather, who cared deeply about her entire person and finally came around to the idea of her receiving an education, although we were a little sad that she was no longer a homeschooler like our family. We only wish she had a CoOp and a few more friends for her hikes with Peter, like we do.
After we had so much to discuss, we came to the conclusion that there are many hard things required of us, but it's important to check in with ourselves to see if we're healthy and happy, and make a change if something doesn't feel right.
Aside from the homeschool aspect of this book, it's a very darling story. We laughed the entire way through and loved how Heidi was adored by all. We're very excited to watch the movie!
October 30, 2023
Listened to it on 'The Sleepy Bookshelf' on Spotify. Narrated by Elizabeth Grace. Check it out :-)
I grew up with Heidi, so I thought I should finally check out the book when I saw it is narrated on 'The Sleepy Bookshelf'.
It is such a beautiful story. It's about a little orphan named Adelheid (short Heidi), she lives with her aunt Dete until she is 5, because the aunt gets a better job in Germany, she brings Heidi to the Alm-Uncle (Heidi's grandfather). After 3 years Dete is back and takes her to bring her to Frankfurt (Germany) as a companion for a 12 year old girl named Klara. The one problem, our dear little Heidi isn't always happy there and soon because of some incidents the doctor says she must return to the mountains. You would think Klara and Heidi would never see each other again? Wrong. Both always stayed in touch and Klara visited the Alps.
Heidi is such a sweet, dear and lively child. I loved her!
She has a friend named Peter, I found him to be sometimes annoying, especially when he was jealous.
The other characters are also lovely! Well maybe except for Dete and the Housekeeper in Frankfurt.
Just read for yourself :-)
With I think 170 pages it's a quick read (according to a few other editions I checked on Amazon)
No Angst at all.
I grew up with Heidi, so I thought I should finally check out the book when I saw it is narrated on 'The Sleepy Bookshelf'.
It is such a beautiful story. It's about a little orphan named Adelheid (short Heidi), she lives with her aunt Dete until she is 5, because the aunt gets a better job in Germany, she brings Heidi to the Alm-Uncle (Heidi's grandfather). After 3 years Dete is back and takes her to bring her to Frankfurt (Germany) as a companion for a 12 year old girl named Klara. The one problem, our dear little Heidi isn't always happy there and soon because of some incidents the doctor says she must return to the mountains. You would think Klara and Heidi would never see each other again? Wrong. Both always stayed in touch and Klara visited the Alps.
Heidi is such a sweet, dear and lively child. I loved her!
She has a friend named Peter, I found him to be sometimes annoying, especially when he was jealous.
The other characters are also lovely! Well maybe except for Dete and the Housekeeper in Frankfurt.
Just read for yourself :-)
With I think 170 pages it's a quick read (according to a few other editions I checked on Amazon)
No Angst at all.
January 18, 2025
Note: This review is for the edition of Heidi from Generations. I could not find it here on good reads, but they pulled a lot from the Elizabeth Stork 1919 edition.
Review:
Did you know Heidi was written from a Christian worldview?! After 1920, the editions of Heidi were shortened to exclude the Christian content and secularized.
If you want to read this with your children, this is the book to use with all the original Christian content included, hymns, prayers, and Scripture. Your children will be pointed to Christ while reading this wonderful beloved classic! The lessons at the end of each chapter are so helpful for explaining the Christian lessons throughout the book.
God's Sovereignty is a main theme throughout this book. Heidi has to learn that her prayers are not always answered in the way or timing that she wants, but that God works his will for the good of His people. Children also learn about the Prodigal son story and how God takes the evil that someone does and turns it around to work our His good purposes.
Forgiveness, reconciliation, God's grace, and our sin and our need for a Savior, are all addressed in this book.
I highly recommend this book!
Review:
Did you know Heidi was written from a Christian worldview?! After 1920, the editions of Heidi were shortened to exclude the Christian content and secularized.
If you want to read this with your children, this is the book to use with all the original Christian content included, hymns, prayers, and Scripture. Your children will be pointed to Christ while reading this wonderful beloved classic! The lessons at the end of each chapter are so helpful for explaining the Christian lessons throughout the book.
God's Sovereignty is a main theme throughout this book. Heidi has to learn that her prayers are not always answered in the way or timing that she wants, but that God works his will for the good of His people. Children also learn about the Prodigal son story and how God takes the evil that someone does and turns it around to work our His good purposes.
Forgiveness, reconciliation, God's grace, and our sin and our need for a Savior, are all addressed in this book.
I highly recommend this book!
November 1, 2024
I inherited a 1944 copyright copy of this book from my grandmother when she passed a few months ago. The 1993 live Disney version of the movie was one of my absolute favorites as a kid i still love it to be honest, so I was super excited with the prospect of finally reading the book. It is absolutely a product of its time. It has serious religious overtones. There isn't really any conflict in the book like there is in the movie I so loved. Everyone is wonderful and kind to each other, the whole way through and it is very rosy happy book and everyone ends up happy in the end. I'll preface by saying I like the movie better. But the book gave some depth and back story to a few characters that wasn't Included in the movie and I appreciate that about it. Other than the utter lack of conflict or conflict resolution or the learning of a lesson of any kind I still found the plot to be more or less as it plays out in the movie. I still found it engaging but I'm not sure I would have rated it so high if I didn't love that movie so much.
December 8, 2025
Heidi is a timeless, heart-warming classic that celebrates innocence, nature, and the healing power of love and kindness. Johanna Spyri brings the Swiss Alps to life with such vivid beauty that the mountains almost feel like characters themselves. The atmosphere is pure, comforting, and full of charm.
Heidi is an unforgettable heroine, joyful, compassionate, and deeply connected to the world around her. Her ability to transform the lives of everyone she meets, from her gruff grandfather to the fragile Clara, gives the story an emotional richness that resonates even today.
Spyri’s writing is simple yet full of warmth, and the themes of home, belonging, and the impact of genuine goodness are woven in beautifully. It’s a book that feels like a breath of fresh mountain air: uplifting, sincere, and soul-soothing.
A true classic that continues to shine with heart and hope! 5 stars without hesitation.
Heidi is an unforgettable heroine, joyful, compassionate, and deeply connected to the world around her. Her ability to transform the lives of everyone she meets, from her gruff grandfather to the fragile Clara, gives the story an emotional richness that resonates even today.
Spyri’s writing is simple yet full of warmth, and the themes of home, belonging, and the impact of genuine goodness are woven in beautifully. It’s a book that feels like a breath of fresh mountain air: uplifting, sincere, and soul-soothing.
A true classic that continues to shine with heart and hope! 5 stars without hesitation.
December 26, 2025
The first time I ever read this book I must have been about 7, sitting in my great grandparents' spare room, devouring Grandmary's copy while the rest of the family did who knows what. I do wish I could have kept that copy.
A couple of questional theological statements, but I could overlook them or cross them out easily and enjoy the rest of the book a dozen more times. Hard to believe that it was written in such a different time and world than ours, because it is so sweet and simply enjoyable. I guess that's why it endures.
A couple of questional theological statements, but I could overlook them or cross them out easily and enjoy the rest of the book a dozen more times. Hard to believe that it was written in such a different time and world than ours, because it is so sweet and simply enjoyable. I guess that's why it endures.
February 26, 2026
Heidi has been calling to me from my bookshelf for years now. I am so glad I finally listened to her call. Having read it initially as a child, perhaps around the age of 11, I have not read it since. I am so glad I did! It’s hard to believe it was written in 1888, as it is truly a timeless piece. Heidi is a delightful character, full of love and joy. Her deep love of nature must have entered my very being and helped carve my own soul.
Ebook. 5 stars.
Ebook. 5 stars.
November 7, 2025
Una historia luminosa que celebra la libertad, la naturaleza y el poder transformador del afecto. Con ternura y profundidad, Johanna Spyri nos invita a reconectar con lo esencial a través de los ojos de una niña que cura, inspira y florece en la montaña. Ideal para quienes buscan belleza simple y valores que perduran.
March 4, 2022
Excelente historia de optimismo hacia los niños. Les enseña a tener fe y a ser dedicados y amables hacia los demás. Recomendado leerlo a partir de los 10 años
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August 11, 2022Es demasiado bonito, llore mucho
June 10, 2023
Great Classic.
First time reading at age 72👍
First time reading at age 72👍
November 13, 2023
Csodálatos könyv egy önfeledt, mindennek örülni tudó gyermekről, szeretetről, segìtőkészségről, az élet apró örömeinek fontosságáról ❤️ Imádtam minden oldalát, megható, csodaszép ❤️
April 8, 2024
يكي از قشنگ ترين داستان هايي بود كه خوندم❤️🥲
July 1, 2024
pure happiness and makes me want to go to the mountains and eat cheese and bread and take naps in the sun and go to the Alps of course. so nostalgic.
August 16, 2024
This was one of the most heartwarming books I have ever read. It was so good! I think this is my new favorite classic.
February 19, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
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May 13, 2025Who was your favorite character? Heidi is a very kind girl.
What surprised you? She was the ghost.
Would you change the ending? Why/why not? No it was plesent.
What surprised you? She was the ghost.
Would you change the ending? Why/why not? No it was plesent.
January 17, 2025
Listened to this because of childhood nostalgia. Some of it held up, but there was a lot of proselytizing about prayer…seems like what children’s books had to do back in the day.
August 22, 2023
This is a wonderful childrens classic story set in the Swiss Alps.
December 17, 2023
A classic I never got around to reading in my childhood. It’s… a good book for children definitely. You’ll be longing for Heidi’s alpine lifestyle by the end too, that’s for sure!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews