
FOREWORD
CHAPTER IBESIDE THE ROARING ILLER-STREAM
CHAPTER IIUP IN THE TOP STORY
CHAPTER IIINEW APPEARANCES IN ILLER-STREAM
CHAPTER IVTHE UNWISHED-FOR HAPPENS
CHAPTER VA NEWCOMER IN ILLER-STREAM
CHAPTER VIA FRIEND IS FOUND
CHAPTER VIIA NEW SORROW
CHAPTER VIIIA MOTHER
CHAPTER IXA GREAT CHANGE
A bright‑eyed girl named Cornelli darts through the spring‑laden woods along the Iller‑Stream, her voice mingling with the birds as she sings of sunshine and snow. Her carefree runs lead her to a familiar little house where she greets the kindly Martha, hinting at a close bond with the people who tend this river valley. The story quickly introduces a lively troupe of children—generous Dino, the irrepressible Mux, and two spirited sisters—each adding their own color to the valley’s everyday adventures.
When misunderstandings arise, Cornelli finds herself unfairly judged by the adults around her, a tension that feels both timeless and tender. Through honest conversation, compassion, and the support of her friends, she begins to reclaim her place in the community and her father’s heart. The narrative blends gentle humor with heartfelt moments, offering a fresh glimpse of Johanna Spyri’s talent for portraying children’s inner lives against a vivid, natural backdrop.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (267K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
Release date
2004-08-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1827–1901
Best known for creating Heidi, this Swiss writer brought the warmth of mountain life and the emotional world of children vividly to the page. Her stories are remembered for their love of nature, kindness, and quiet resilience.
View all books
by Johanna Spyri

by Johanna Spyri

by Johanna Spyri

by Johanna Spyri

by Johanna Spyri

by Johanna Spyri

by Johanna Spyri

by Johanna Spyri