Heidi: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden, illustrated by Ofride

Heidi:  A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden, illustrations by Ofride

Publisher:  Andrews McMeel Publishing
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   160 pages
Publishing:  March 11th, 2025
Source:  Edelweiss+

Summary from Publisher:  

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 reputation: 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 Review:     The artwork in Heidi is absolutely stunning.  The illustrations feature bright pastel hues, with lovely shades of blue and green for the sky, leaves and grass.  The Swiss Alps are depicted so perfectly, rising majestically across the pages with wildflowers scattered along the mountainside and fun pages of Peter herding the goats.   It evokes memories of watching The Sound of Music, particularly the iconic scene where Maria is twirling in the meadow. 

Key scenes from the original classic are present, like Aunt Dete bringing Heidi to live with her grandfather in the Alps, his initial awkwardness and gruffness with her being left with him and how they gradually soften and warm up to one another.  The illustrations beautifully depict rural life, the changing seasons, and the contrast between Heidi's time in the mountains versus living in the city with Clara.           

Included within the book is a bibliography of Johanna Spyri, a photograph of the original cover of the German edition of Heidi's Lehr-Und Wanderjahre (Heidi's Year of Wandering and Learning).  There's a map of Switzerland, helpful information about Swiss folklore, crafts, and celebrations as well as descriptions of the plants and animals found in the Alps.  There's even a list of the various adaptations that have been made of the classic book, to include games and movies.  Such a wonderful story and I can't wait to purchase my own copy.   

 Other graphic novel adaptions by Mariah Marsden include The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables.  I'm looking forward to reading these as well very soon.

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE