
In the shadow of Bern lies a quiet hillside village, its neat gardens and stone houses framed by the crisp winter air. Every January evening the slope transforms into the region’s most celebrated sledding track, where children dash from the schoolyard to the long, gleaming run that carries them down to the road by the Aare. The rhythm of laughter, the clang of sled runners, and the glow of the moon create a lively tableau that captures the simple pleasure of youth.
The peace is soon disturbed by a quarrel among the boys, especially a hot‑tempered youngster known as Chäppi, who refuses to give way for a shy, frost‑bitten girl standing nearby. His angry shove and the sudden slap he receives hint at deeper tensions in the close‑knit community. As the night deepens, the children’s frantic calls for “one more run” set the stage for an unexpected clash that will test courage and kindness.
Language
de
Duration
~2 hours (159K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Delphine Lettau and Mike Pullen
Release date
2005-04-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1827–1901
Best known for creating Heidi, this Swiss writer turned memories of mountain life into stories that have charmed generations of young readers. Her work blends warmth, homesickness, and a deep love of the natural world.
View all books