Written in 1880 by Swiss author Johanna Spyri, the Heidi books are the best known works of Swiss literature. The story focuses on events in the life a young orphan sent to live with her grumpy grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Just as she is beginning to get used to her surroundings, Heidi is sent away from the tranquility of the mountains to tend to a sick cousin in the city. Much more than a children's story, the story is also a lesson on the nature of freedom. This edition is an English translation. The illustrated edition contains color illustrations by Maria L. Kirk.