Heidi

By: Johanna Spyri

Narrated by: John McDonough

Orphaned at an early age, the young girl Heidi finds a home high in the Swiss Alps with her reclusive grandfather. There, each glorious day is filled with discovery, adventure and the friendship of a gentle goat boy, Peter. But when Heidi is sent away from her mountain paradise to a large, cold city, she is determined to find a way to return to the place she loves.

For generations, children around the world have fallen under the spell of this small alpine girl. Heidi is the heartwarming story of an exuberant child’s goodness, courage, and love. Filled with unforgettable characters and majestic scenery, it is an enduring classic of children’s literature.

Author Johanna Spyri lived her entire life in a small Swiss town near Zurich. Heidi, first published in 1881, is a largely autobiographical work that echoes Ms. Spyri’s affection for the countryside, flowers and animals that surrounded her. John McDonough brings Heidi vibrantly to life, enriching this beloved tale with the warmth and drama of his narration.

Public Domain (P)1996 Recorded Books

Soothing narration of a beautiful classic

We adore this story and especially love John McDonough as narrator. We have heard him read many stories and he is a warm, welcome friend in our home now. Heidi is a beautiful classic that we can listen to over and over. There is charm, humor, wisdom, beauty. Timeless!

Wholesome, old fashioned story of innocence

Well read, well paced. Nice translation of the original. The story aims to encourage and uplift and I feel it succeeds. It’s more based in faith and trust than modern stories, and shows the sense and sentiment of the late 1800, but in its essence it is timeless.

A lovely book

My daughters and I listened together and thoroughly enjoyed Heidi. Mr. McDonough is an amazing narrator.

Wonderful Narration of a Beautiful Story

Listened to this version with my kids. The narrator sounds like the Alm-uncle, or Heidi’s grandfather is telling us the story.
Having only seen the movie as a child, I was surprised and delighted that this is such a heartfelt, sincere, and Christ-centered book about redemption, community, love and forgiveness. It was enjoyed by my 4 kids (ages 9 and under) and equally enjoyed by me!

A life of love and peace

Wonderful story of how to look at life even if it is not always comfortable and create for yourself a microcosm of love and peace around you. Heidi is timeless in creating friends and stepping up to improve the life of those around you.