Heidi (Knickerbocker Children’s Classics)

Be transported to the Swiss Alps with this classic story of a young girl who has the ability to soften the hardest of hearts.

Originally published in 1881, Heidi tells the story of a five-year old orphaned girl whose aunt brings her to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. The residents of the nearby town fear Heidi’s grandfather because he lives in seclusion, but she gradually opens his heart with her youth and energy. When she turns eight, her aunt returns to take her away. Heidi makes the most of her situation, teaching timeless lessons to her grandfather and her friends, as well as to generations of readers. With illustrations by Jessie Willcox Smith, this beautiful, vibrant clothbound hardcover is unabridged and makes a great addition to every child’s library.

The Knickerbocker Classics bring together the essential works of classic authors from around the world in stunning editions to be collected and enjoyed.

Johanna Spyri’s classic story of a young orphan sent to live with her grumpy grandfather in the Swiss Alps is retold in it’s entirety in this beautifully bound hardcover edition. Heidi has charmed and intrigued readers since it’s original publication in 1880. Much more than a children’s story, the narrative is also a lesson on the precarious nature of freedom, a luxury too often taken for granted. Heidi almost loses her liberty as she is ripped away from the tranquility of the mountains to tend to a sick cousin in the city. Happily, all’s well that ends well, and the reader is left with only warm, fuzzy thoughts. Spryi’s story will never grow wearisome–and this is a very appealing edition. –Naomi Gesinger