The Originals: Heidi by Johanna Spyri | Unabridged Classic | Beloved Childhood Classic | Ideal Gift Book | Timeless Story of Friendship & Nature | Book for Kids, Parents, Collectors & Literature Fans Paperback – 22 October 2018

***2021 favourite***All the positivity I ever needed.All the calmness I ever needed.All the nature vibes I ever needed.Heidi. She's such an amazing child who's kind, carefree but caring, generous, genuine and charming.The story focuses on caring and sharing, the importance of domestic lives and nature, education and learning certain skills to survive, it's all about faith and celebration of life.And don't believe in rumours about anyone, it tells.I love Heidi's grandpa, the insecure Peter and his ailing grandmother.I love Sebastian, Clara and her father, grandmother and the doctor. And I really, really, really do not like her mother at all. The only character who was really unlikeable.The other side characters are fun. The story becomes more lively with each chapter. This middle grade classic is so much fun to read!I feel the story will be more fun if you actually read along with the kids. The humour and the adventures! It's fun I say!That ghost chapter!!!I love this book so much more other than considering all these things is because of the way how most of the adult characters have faith in her and accept her as she is. This is enough. Letting the child become who she is at her very best. Her concerns, her thoughts, her dreams being respected is all that mattered. And not neglecting her when she looked troubled.The story is so wholesome. I liked how most characters have been presented with so much maturity and understanding. I wasn't expecting this.I just wish Clara was given more lines and parts. Being an only child and someone who needed assistance and company, it would have been interesting to know her thoughts as well, given her age and her time spent most with Heidi.And yes, learning for kids should be this playful and meaningful. Kudos to Heidi teaching Peter. One of my most favourite parts.The last chapter is just gold. I feel really blessed after all this time!A perfect read for me in 2021. I needed this warmth and calmness.

First about the product: Loved it. No damages and in good condition. Cost effective. I have bought a few more of the same publisher.I first read Heidi in school - a small chapter taken from the beginning of the book. But it was enough to awe me. A little girl out in the Alpine wilderness with her grandfather, who was mysterious and fearful, if not scary. Yet I failed to read on. And then, fortunately, there was this animated version of Heidi (link below) which was so adorable that I could picture the characters only as those cartoon figures for a really long time. A bit altered from the original, and still honest to the root story, that did propel me to finally take the book and sit down. The best decision ever.Years have passed. A reread now means an eye more critical (and judgemental?). Still, from the very first page, that feeling of camaraderie and love and sympathy for the little five year old crept in, and refused to be put out even after the last page of the book was turned. Johanna Spyri has woven a web of magic with this one.The religious themes dominate the book, creating a pathway of moral values throughout (Peter, perhaps, is the one to whom most of these are directed to!). But Heidi shines through, with her innocence and selflessness. She is the sun around whom the rest of the characters orbit. Though in this case, Heidi takes a bit from each of those who revolve around her, thereby illuminating her sphere a little brighter.

Good

Good product

Seems like an old book

Abridged versionNot as enjoyable as the original