Rating: My bookshelf

Reading Level: Early Elementary

I did not expect to be so delighted by this classic! Several lives are transformed by a small cheery Heidi, and her life is also transformed by kind people opening up their arms to her and teaching her about the true nature of God and His good timing.

Possible conversations to have with your child

  • There is a bit about Heidi conversing with her grandfather about God leaving the disobedient to their own way. Later she tells him the prodigal son story and convinces him of God’s merciful love for those who repent, but it is worth making sure your child understands that part and doesn’t mistakenly take away God leaving the disobedient (in a sort of hopeless way).
  • The grandfather issues warnings of beatings for Peter’s truancy, and these haunt a little boy into going to school.
  • Peter is grouchy about learning to read; Heidi makes up rhymes about how he will be beaten or humiliated if he doesn’t shape up and learn to read each letter.
  • Peter does a horrible thing, and guilt haunts him until the faithful grandmother teaches him about guilt. You and your child should relate the little man of conviction to the Holy Spirit.
  • The characters tend to praise the mountain air and other natural gifts as being healing for the mind and body. It would be good to remind your child that God is the one who made the mountains and the healthy air, herbs etc.

Overall, this book points often to God, to trusting His providence, to optimism, friendship, and to choosing joy.

There are many recoverings of this classic.