Heidi

by Lisa Church (Adapter), Jamel Akib (Illustrations), Arthur Pober (Afterword)

When Heidi’s Aunt Dete brings the orphaned girl to live with her grandfather, no one can imagine the bitter, solitary old man caring for a child. But, to everyone’s surprise, the two grow to love each other—and Heidi blossoms in her new home. Johanna Spyri’s charming story—and spirited heroine—have won children’s hearts for more than a century.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Childrens, Historical Fiction

160 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2007

About the author

https://www.facebook.com/lisachurchau...

Lisa Church is a mother of three, author of 12 books, graduate of Penn State University, and elementary teacher with over 30 years of experience. She resides in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania with her husband, children, a loyal crazy, a crazy cairn terrier, a cat named Phineas, and a kitten who could set a world-record for loudest and most constant purr.

Church is the author of a parenting guide, numerous curriculum materials, four juvenile fiction pieces, an adult murder mystery, a romance novel, and five abridged novels through Sterling / Barnes & Noble's well known Classic Starts Series. She continues to teach, write, and garner inspiration from her family, friends, and the world around her.

Publications
Everyday Creative Play: Simple Fun Things You Can Do to Help Your Preschooler Learn (Fairview Press, 1998)

Mystery on the Mayflower (PublishAmerica, 2001 & TurtleBack Books, 2002)

Be Careful What You Wish For (Perfection Learning Corporation, 2002)

The Secret of Fairwind Estates, A Silver Dagger Mystery (The Overmountain Press, 2003)

Black Beauty, Retold from the Anna Sewell Original (Sterling, 2005)

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Retold from the Jules Verne Original (Sterling, 2006)

Heidi, Retold from the Johanna Spyri Original (Sterling, 2007)

The Jungle Book, Retold from the Rudyard Kipling Original (Sterling, 2008)

Ballet Stories, Retold from the Classic Originals (Sterling, 2010)

Maddie's Secret (Astraea Press, 2013)

And coming soon......
The Diversion, Topaz Publishing

Home Alone, Astraea Press

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

very wholesome! this book was super cute

[Zubaidah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a feel good story, it's comforting and warm, it reminds you of life lessons you learned as a child but have long forgotten about, it reminds you to be kind and to have faith that Allah will grant you your wishes in the right time and not the time you desire ,that is if you keep him in your heart ,I love reading children's literature , I find it to be calming

[Austin Hui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love reading this book how Heidi really enjoyed being with her Grandparents, Peter and Clara. You would really love this book!

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's so tough to rate adaptations of classic books because it feels like someone or something is getting cheated: the original, the adaptation… the reader? Probably the reader. Regardless, I never read the original unabridged version of Heidi by Johanna Spyri, so this will have to do. And it was fine. Not exactly riveting, but it contained lovely messages about love and empathy and the meaning of true friendship. It also talked a bit about the power of God's love without being oppressively religious in tone. I read it aloud to my 7-year-old daughter and, while we both had some trouble getting into it at first, we ultimately came away from it feeling all warm and fuzzy. She gave it four generous stars; I've got to go with three.

[Whole And · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classic story to fill the heart, inspire joy and goodness and giving children what they really need.
A beautiful story to share with the next generation.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not usually a fan of abridged books, but as a parent I have learned to appreciate the value of them to introduce young readers to classics in a more accessible and simplified format.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I'd like to note that I read the Classic Starts version of Heidi, retold by Lisa Church, after reading and loving the full classic. Heidi is a top favorite of mine and I felt this version included the main events from the full classic. It was a quick and engaging read that I think introduces the characters well and can be enjoyed by younger readers who may not be ready for the full novel yet.

I do want to note that I noticed the meanness of Heidi’s aunt and Clara’s housekeeper more in the Classic Starts version than the full novel. Examples: Pg 3 “you must be crazy!” pg 8 “You rotten little thing!” “You selfish child! Don’t you have any sense at all?” pg 42 “Don’t be stupid, you probably learned to be stubborn from those goats.” pg 64 threat: Perhaps if Ms. Rottenmeier could make her feel unwanted she would beg to leave “…you are a terrible little girl…if I put you in a dark cellar with the rats and black beetles.” pg 67 “you ungrateful child!” The second half is much more enjoyable.

[Katarina Ningrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea about what's actually going on in the tale of Heidi when I was younger, until I finally read this version.
Anyway, Heidi herself is a lovely character. Lighthearted, kind, and very pure. The other characters are not bad either. There's the heartmelting grandmother, a loving grandfather, and Peter as a good friend. Then comes beautiful, spoiled but gentle Clara and Mr.Sesemann, along with the friendly butler and a strict nanny.
For a children story, it has a lot of contrasting characters, but this doesn't make the story complex at all. In contrary, different chromes they bring has created a solid narration.

Beautiful sentences, anyway. It's written in such tender style it melts me!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

(read aloud to J - 10 years old, 4th grade) we loved this story. such a sweet story of a little girl who was an orphan and was transferred to live with her grandfather. at first, he seemed surprised and a little gruff about taking her in, but they come to adore each other and had such a sweet life together. such a sweet string of stories about young girls with no parents - Anne of Green Gables, Pollyanna, Heidi and The Little Princess - so sweet to see how resilient these young girls are, even though their lives are hard and they have suffered losses, but they persevere and make other people happy, such sweet and inspiring characteristics they embody

[Jules Loz]

(read aloud to J summer 2023, 10 years old) we both enjoyed this book so much. Heidi is another delightful little girl who has no parents. She is dropped off to live with her grandfather who at first is gruff and not expecting her. But soon, she wins him over with her sweet nature and happy outlook on life. Despite her hardships and some people who are mean to her, she keeps her spirits up and brings joy to those around her. Delightful story, even had references to her believing in God and trusting in Him. Sweet story.

[Applsd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many abridged versions of Heidi, and, by far, this is my favorite.
Though it simplifies the text and story a bit, it's still as charming and full of life as the original.
(Seriously, I cried when Heidi came back to her grandfather.)
There are also a few black and white illustrations, which add to the charmingness of the book.
So, if you don't have time for the unabridged version, or if you want to introduce Heidi to a special young person in your life, I suggest this version.

[Seamaiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of my childhood. As I grow older, the Christian elements and its simplicity become more apparent and this kind of bothers me, but still the story will always be one of my favorite. Heidi's affection for everyone, her love for her grandpa and the sick blind grandma, the way she adopts Clara as her sister and Clara as her sister, the good doctor... peter, his goats and his love for Heidi... They all create such a lovely story.

[Ally Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very sweet condensed book!

i grew up watching the heidi television animated series in spanish with english subtitles, and finding this book felt like sublime nostalgia to me. i picked this book up to restart my reading journey with something quick, light, and positive.

i enjoyed this book! later on i will collect the full version so i can be fully able in my criticism, but for now the story was nice :)!

[Lacey Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please consider this review is for an abridged version of Heidi and not the original. I didn't even realize I was reading an abridged version until halfway through.

This story has some religious themes to it which removed a whole star from the rating. There are some good messages in this book, but overall a pretty all-over-the-place story.

[Melanie Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent abridged version

This abridged version really suited my daughter. It was a great way of introducing classic literature to my 8 year old in preparation for harder literature in secondary school. She loved the story and could appreciate it without the over complicated vocabulary of the complete version.

[Chan Enya]

This book is about Heidi’s Aunt Dete brings the orphaned girl to live with her grandfather, no one can imagine the bitter, solitary old man caring for a child. But, to everyone’s surprise, the two grow to love each otherand Heidi blossoms in her new home. Johanna Spyri’s charming storyand spirited heroinehave won children’s hearts for more than a century.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My nana always loved this book, and I have yet to have read it until now, when I found this beautiful adapted edition in my local bookstore. I loved Heidi, her beautiful, caring heart, the relationship with her grandfather, and her love of the mountains. I think I get it now why nana always called me “Heidi.” A treasure and my new favorite book- it’s up in my personal top 5!

[farahsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This abridged version makes me wanna read the original version! Heidi is such a lovable character! A good introduction to a classic beginner especially who really wants to read clasic but overwhelmed with the classic.

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfection introduction to the classics for a second grader. We enjoyed reading it together, and had a hard time closing it each night. The thoughtful questions at the end created great conversations. Looking forward to more classics from Classic Starts.

[Tiana Thai · Rating 5 out of 5]

How’s amazing this book❤️ it gave me a thousand of happiness through the story with a little girl and her own kind. Love the field, love the mountain, love the hut, love all the characters❤️❤️❤️

[YT · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good and summarized

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book

[Lise Mette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memories.

[Luciëlla · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐3.75
A very wholesome children's story.

[𝑀𝑎𝑑𝑖🕸️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My great-grandma read this book to me when I was little🖤

[Chantel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adalee specifically, really enjoyed this.

[Susan]

Read for work. No review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annabelle received this book for her birthday from my mom and dad, and was encouraged to read it before her next visit to their house so Grandma could watch the movie with her. We did it! I'm excited for her to watch the movie to compare the two.

First, my comments, later I'll add hers.

I really enjoyed this book. By the end, I'd decided it was such a nice breath of fresh air! After all the fluff of the Fairy books I've read with her, it was nice to read a book about real people, with hearts, and devotion to humanity through service and love. And a love of God, too. Heidi learned that God is a loving being, who knows what is best for each of us, and wants to be part of our lives, if we let Him. But if we don't, he can't be. She learned to trust Him.

A GREAT story with values I treasure. Sooooooooo glad I read it with my daughter. But it will be interesting to see what she got out of it, since she's only just 5.

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What did you think of "Heidi"?
I thought it was a great book, but there were some parts I had to say something on it.
Like what?
I don't remember what I said.
Would you recommend this book to other people to read?
I think maybe my Dad's class would like it.
What do you think about Heidi as a person?
I think she was a great little girl.
Why?
Because she was really kind and cared for the people she loved.
Like who?
She loved her grandmother's. And she loved her grandfather. And she loved her friend Clara. And she loved the new friends she made- Mr. Sessemen, and the doctor.
Why do you think she loved them?
Because they were taking care of her and they also cared for her. And they loved her.
Tell me about Clara.
Well, she became great friends with Heidi when she first met Heidi. And she played with Heidi a lot, and she loved her. And they shared their lessons.
What is the story of "Heidi" about?
It's about a little girl named Heidi that gets to walk for a LONG time with her Aunt to her Grandfather's house. Then she gets to meet her grandfather. Then they make a bed for Heidi when Heidi is in the house. Then Heidi explores in the house. And she liked the house. A lot. Then it was time for her to go down and meet Clara. But she didn't know how to read but she had to read in her lessons. So, they taught her to read. And then she was reading to Clara and her Grandmother.


(We got interrupted and couldn't finish the story. Maybe another time).

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book aloud to Ethan, my six-year old and we both really enjoyed it. The Classic Starts Series retells popular classic novels in a way that younger children (Kindergarten - 2nd Grade?) can understand. You can find a whole shelf of these books at your local library. My son and I both enjoyed the sweet story of Heidi and her adventures in the mountains. I loved the example that Heidi sets in the book. I enjoyed her friendship with grandmother, grandmamma, Peter, Clara, and of course, Grandfather. I also like the religious overtones in the book. How refreshing to read a book where the characters respect and call upon God. I will have Ethan re-read this one in a couple of years using the complete novel.

[Kaetlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi is little girl that lives with her grandfather, her friend Peter, and her grandmother. Heidi has fun playing with Peter. Then her aunt sells her to a mean lady like herself. Heidi didn't like it there at all. So she got to go back home to her grandfather. Her grandfather loved Heidi being
back home with him again.

I like when Heidi was away she learned how to read.