Switzerland - Children's Books

Switzerland... land of Heidi, alms, noisy cow bells, and mountains. It's a wonderful place to travel with family and very family-friendly.

Children's Books about Heidi: The Original, Translations, and Retellings

Ah, Heidi. Can a trip to Switzerland be planned for little travelers without the mention of Heidi? There have been many translations of Heidi and you can read about the history of translations of Heidi into English in this academic paper. Isao Takahata's Japanese animation of Heidi may also be worth checking out for little ones.

Heidi was first written and published in 1880 and 1881 by Swiss author Johanna Spyri, and it was originally published in two parts as Heidi: Her Years of Wandering and Learning (German: Heidis Lehr- und Wanderjahre) and Heidi: How She Used What She Learned (German: Heidi kann brauchen, was es gelernt hat).

[Mama Traveler Recommendation!] Heidi (Books of Wonder): First published in 1880, Heidi introduces young readers and listeners to one of the most charming young heroines ever.  This beautiful, stirring novel tells of five-year-old Heidi, an orphan sent to live high up in the mountains with her cantankerous grandfather. Sweet-natured Heidi soon wins her grandfather's heart and makes friends with the lively young goatherd, Peter. Her newfound happiness ends quickly, however, when Heidi's aunt, Dete, takes her off to the city of Frankfurt to be a companion to a sickly child. Finally Heidi is restored to her Alpine home. And when her new friend, Clara, joins her in the mountains, Heidi's innocent charm and the majestic beauty of the Alps combine to work a healing miracle. [Mama Traveler Note: This is the Morrow Books of Wonder edition that uses the Louise Brooks' 1884 unabridged translation of Heidi and has nostalgic value for American readers.]

[Mama Traveler Recommendation!] Heidi (Oxford Children's Classics): When orphan Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in the mountains, the two grow to love each other dearly. Heidi charms everyone she meets - but then her strict aunt sends her away again to live in the town. Despite a wonderful new friendship there, Heidi longs to return to her happy life in the mountains. Is there any way she can have both?  About the Series: Oxford Children's Classics bring together the most unforgettable stories ever told. Complete and unabridged text allows children to discover the stories as they were meant to be read. Produced in beautifully designed hardback editions, the collection features well-loved classic stories readers will treasure and return to again and again. 
[Mama Traveler Note: The Oxford Children's Classics edition uses the Marian Edwardes' 1910 unabridged translation, which is currently the most widespread of the Heidi translations and usually used by contemporary publishers who choose to bring out new editions of Heidi.]

[Mama Traveler Recommendation!] A Little Golden Book: Heidi: If you can get a hold of a copy, this is a classic abridged picture book version of Heidi. 

Heidi (Usborne Illustrated Originals): This beautifully illustrated edition of Johanna Spyri's timeless classic is one to treasure. Follow Heidi's adventures, from her carefree life high in the Swiss Alps among the goats and the birds, to her loneliness in the city. One of the most popular children's books of all time, this heartwarming tale is as entrancing now as when it was first written.

Heidi: When five-year-old orphan Heidi is sent to live in the Swiss Alps with grumpy Grandpa, the rest of the village take pity on her. But Heidi soon discovers that her grandpa is gentle and kind behind his scowl, and she loves her new life running wild in the mountains with the goats, the flowers and her best friend Peter. That is, until Heidi is forced to move far away to the soot and smoke of Frankfurt to be the companion to an unwell girl. Will she ever return to her true home in the mountains? [Mama Traveler Note: A beautifully illustrated abridged and retold version of Heidi.]

Childrens's Books about Switzerland

Town Mouse Country Mouse: Mice overflowing with personality and richly detailed settings make this a favorite edition of the classic tale. Set in Switzerland, Jan Brett introduces two engaging mouse couples eager to get away from their everyday lives. But when they agree to swap homes, they are plunged into unexpected adventures at every turn.  In a story filled with suspense and humor, lush green country scenes alternate with the elegant details of a fine Victorian townhouse, making this a breathtakingly beautiful picture book.

[Mama Traveler Recommendation!] William Tell of Switzerland: A Tale for Tiny Travellers: Switzerland's best-loved national hero comes to life in this vibrant picture book about William Tell: a hunter whose bravery and integrity inspired his countrymen to fight together for freedom from the Habsburg Empire. This Tale for Tiny Travellers features 11 full-colour illustrations designed to introduce young children to real-world landmarks and characters. It also includes a handy destination guide to help families visit key elements of the story in person.

Good Night, Switzerland: A picture book about Switzerland for fans of Goodnight, Moon. Ease kids into their bedtime with an enchanting story of an owl that flies from over the Matterhorn, over marmots and cows and other beloved animals, and from city to city as the nation goes to sleep. Beautifully illustrated by Swiss illustrator Mattea Gianotti.

Festivals & Traditions in Switzerland: This book takes you on a very special journey through Switzerland to experience the traditional festivals and customs celebrated in all the seasons. Some are happy and colorful, others are wild and scary. You’ll hear the thunderous noise made by bell-ringers and brass bands at Carnival. You’ll see Hom Strom and his pillar of fire burning in the night sky. You’ll meet a real Pschuurirolli—half human, half wild beast—and the dreadful Tschäggäta with their terrifying masks. On the journey, you’ll also encounter shepherds, rifle queens, and men dressed as trees. At the bull market in Zug, you’ll place a bet on the fastest pig; and in the Jura region, you’ll admire the horse riders as they race bareback over the track. You’ll even find out why the Griffin goes as far as baring his behind in Basel. You’ll be surprised. And you’ll laugh. And you just might be a little frightened, too. Are you ready?

Cartographica Helvetica: A Young Explorer's Atlas of Switzerland: Ever heard of the Röstigraben? Did you know, Switzerland fits into Germany eight times ... but 232 times into China? Where did Ulrich Zwingli live? What does Switzerland do to combat climat change? Are cuckoo clocks really from Switzerland? Where was the Red Cross founded? This is the children's atlas about Switzerland, that answers all the questions that curious young minds might have! Learn intresting and amusing facts about this small country and its inhabitants. Exciting and current topics like the country's languages, inventions, energy consumption or tourism and much more will be brought to life with maps and infographics, making this diverse country in the heart of Europe accessible. The 20 especially made maps in this book promise a lively, entertaining and intensive journey.

Violet's Voyages: Switzerland: The St. Bernard Adventure: Violet always starts her adventures by catching a ride on a shooting star! To what area of the world will it bring her? She hangs on tight until her destination, where she is welcomed by a special local animal who is on a mission. In the Swiss St. Bernard Adventure (Book 1) Violet meets Bernie and helps him rescue a skier.

Valentina Invites her Friends to Switzerland: Valentina is a little Swiss girl who loves to go on adventures and spread joy and love. In 'Valentina Invites her Friends to Switzerland', Valentina takes you to amazing places in Switzerland where you meet new people, taste authentic dishes, and learn all about the beautiful wonders of this country.

My First Book - Switzerland: All About Switzerland For Kids: The culture, the beauty, the landmarks, the food - it is simply fascinating. In this book, we cover all of those magical elements about SWITZERLAND in a digestible and engaging way!  Combining fun and education, we use real-life images to help your child learn about the country.

Switzerland, A Variety Of Facts, Children's People and Places Book: A book of photos and facts about Switzerland aimed for children.

Childrens's Books about Christmas in Switzerland
Gingerbread Baby: Jan Brett's Gingerbread Baby is not about to get eaten in this delicious twist on a favorite Christmastime tale! Set in Switzerland, it all begins when Matti opens the oven too soon and out jumps a cheeky little Gingerbread Bay. He leads Matti's mother and father, the dog and the cat, and a whole colorful cast of characters on a rollicking chase through the village and into the forest, staying just out of reach, daring them to catch him along the way.  But Matti's not with them. He's at home in the borders making what turns out to be a gingerbread house into which the Gingerbread Baby runs. Only Matti knows he is safely inside. And readers will too when they look under the lift-the-flap gingerbread house at the end of the story, and there he is!

Gingerbread Friends: Set in Switzerland, this Gingerbread Baby is looking for friends and finds an adventure he'll never forget. The Gingerbread Baby is lonely and decides to do something about it. At a bakery, he dances and prances in front of a sugar cookie girl, trying to make friends. But she just stares and doesn?t say a word, like all the other sweet treats he tries to meet.  Discouraged, the Gingerbread Baby runs home, chased by a long line of hungry creatures, where Mattie has a fantastic surprise for him--gingerbread friends that fill a giant fold-out page.  Irresistible images inside the confectionery and outside in the snowy Swiss countryside will delight Jan Brett fans.

Gingerbread Christmas: Jan Brett’s beloved character the Gingerbread Baby returns in a fun-filled Christmas caper! Set in Switzerland, Gingerbread Baby and his friend, Matti, take his gingerbread band to the Christmas Festival where they are a hit! That is until the aroma of gingerbread reaches the children, making them hungry.  That means it is time to run away. Clever Matti uses snow to disguise the gingerbread instruments while Gingerbread Baby leads the audience on a merry chase to the smartest hiding place ever--a giant Christmas tree.

Christmas in Switzerland: Describes how Christmas is celebrated in Switzerland. Includes Swiss craft projects, recipes, and carols.

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