
In a crisp December dawn, the frozen fields of a North Holland village become a playground for two determined children. Hans, the older brother, has carved makeshift skates from hard wood, tying them with rope so his sister Griete can glide across the ice despite their poverty. Their inventive spirit and close bond shine as they navigate the early morning chill, sharing laughter and gentle teasing while the rest of the town still sleeps under warm blankets.
The narrative captures the simple joys of rural life, the thrill of slipping on thin ice, and the ingenuity born of necessity. As the siblings race the sunrise, their modest adventure hints at deeper themes of family, perseverance, and the quiet magic that winter brings to the Dutch countryside. Listeners will feel the cold air on their cheeks and hear the soft creak of wooden blades, inviting them into a heartfelt tale of youthful resilience.
Language
nl
Duration
~5 hours (303K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project Gutenberg
Release date
2019-11-24
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1815–1877
A Dutch teacher turned prolific writer, he became known for lively historical stories and books for young readers. His work helped bring Dutch history and adventure to 19th-century children and families.
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1830–1905
Best known for writing Hans Brinker, she helped shape American children's reading in the 19th century as both a popular author and a longtime magazine editor. Her work mixed warmth, imagination, and a strong belief that books for young readers should be lively and well made.
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