When I caught whispers of today's read, I had to get my hands on a copy. Heidi is a classic, especially in the German speaking realm. My husband not only grew up with the story, but my kids watched the anime version year after year while we lived in Germany. It's one of those feel-good stories with a wonderful character and wholesome joy to embrace like a warm hug. Will this graphic novel version live up to my very high expectations? Let's find out!
HEIDI
A Graphic Novel
adapted by Mariah Marsden
Illustrated by Ofride
Andrews McMeel Publishing
Middle Grade Historical Fiction / Graphic Novel
160 pages
ages 8 to 12
COMING...
MARCH 11, 2025!!!
Discover the heartwarming magic of Johanna Spyri’s beloved tale in this gorgeous graphic novel adaptation. From the author of the critically acclaimed Anne of Green A Graphic Novel comes another thoughtfully retold children’s classic.
When young Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in a small shepherd’s hut in the Swiss Alps, everyone expects him to turn her away. He has a bad mean, growly, and harsh as the cold mountain winds. But Heidi is quick to take on any challenge, whether it’s keeping an eye on the rebellious goats, learning to read, or melting Grandfather’s icy heart.
Heidi’s adventures take her up and down her beloved mountain, from picnics in the high alpine meadows all the way to the distant streets of Frankfurt and a city life she could never have imagined. But when homesickness strikes, Heidi must weigh old friendships with new ones and find her place in an expanding world.
Given new life as a graphic novel in artist Ofride’s warm, folk art–inspired style, Heidi celebrates the joy of storytelling, the wonders of nature, and the healing power of kindness.
When young Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in a small shepherd’s hut in the Swiss Alps, everyone expects him to turn her away. He has a bad mean, growly, and harsh as the cold mountain winds. But Heidi is quick to take on any challenge, whether it’s keeping an eye on the rebellious goats, learning to read, or melting Grandfather’s icy heart.
Heidi’s adventures take her up and down her beloved mountain, from picnics in the high alpine meadows all the way to the distant streets of Frankfurt and a city life she could never have imagined. But when homesickness strikes, Heidi must weigh old friendships with new ones and find her place in an expanding world.
Given new life as a graphic novel in artist Ofride’s warm, folk art–inspired style, Heidi celebrates the joy of storytelling, the wonders of nature, and the healing power of kindness.
MY TIDBITS
Originally written by Johanna Spyri in 1880, this is a timeless tale surrounding the simple joys of life, friendship, kindness, and the wonders love and care can bring.
Heidi's parents died when she was very young. Her aunt, no able longer to care for her, takes her to an alm high in the Swiss Alps, where her grandfather lives alone and secluded from the nearby town. Despite the townspeople's concerns, Heidi thrives in the mountains as she helps her grandfather with the goats and daily life. Her attitude is always kind, bubbly, and cheerful...and naive. When she's slightly tricked into traveling to Frankfurt to become a playmate for a sick girl, Heidi's paradise is left far behind. Despite the homesickness, she tries her best to come to terms with the situation, but plans on returning back to her grandfather as quickly as possible.
This classic story is one that my husband and children have grown-up with, know, and love. So, I'm jumping into it with the knowledge of the original story as well as years of watching the anime on repeat. This graphic novel version carries much of the same atmosphere as the anime. The illustrations, however, hold a lighter, pastel color pallet, which fits very nicely with the scenes and brings the beauty of the mountains across very nicely. It also fits well to Heidi's sweet personality and cheerful view of the world. It was enjoyable to gaze at these and also catch the cultural and historical details built in. The characters are brought across with care and emotions in all the right ways.
The story flows quickly, but then, this is a graphic novel. It flows very smoothly and lets the tale unfold with the goodness and emotions needed to let it touch the heart and work its goodness. I was surprised that an important part of the original story is dropped from this novel at the end and disappointed since this adds a last wave of feel-good vibes. It would have only needed a couple more pages, so I'm unsure why this choice was made. Those who don't know the story won't miss anything, though.
As if the story itself wasn't pleasant enough to read, the author has also included quite a bit of knowledge and information at the end. Explanations surrounding Swiss culture, history, and more round everything off and make this a read, which would slide nicely into a classroom theme or homeschooling chapter.
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