Set in the Netherlands, the beautiful land of windmills, tulips, and wooden shoes, this timeless story relates the adventures of the impoverished but virtuous Brinker family. Young Hans and Gretel work toward two goals: finding the doctor who can restore their father’s memory, and winning the competition for the silver skates. Their good deeds help to bring about good fortune for their whole family.
With many interesting details about Dutch family life and the history, this charming tale published over 140 years ago continues to delight countless readers with its inspiring story that encourages us all to pursue our dreams.
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"Hans Brinker is added to my list of literary heroes! I loved reading this old classic. It was so refreshing because the central characters embodied old-fashioned virtues and there was, of course, the happy ending. " — Kathryn (4 out of 5 stars)
"Hans Brinker is added to my list of literary heroes! I loved reading this old classic. It was so refreshing because the central characters embodied old-fashioned virtues and there was, of course, the happy ending. "
“[Hans Brinker] has been read by every generation...and will be read by many coming ones with equal pleasure.”
“Against all odds, the story’s rosy-cheeked glow persists...there’s something hopeful and even touching about her view of children who are committed to helping other people.”
“Hans Brinker [is] probably the most famous children’s story about [Holland] ever written—it is a noteworthy event to young people.”
“Hans Brinker was my best boyhood dream. Could I, if I tried terribly hard, become somebody like him? What a shame that hardly anybody knows Hans Brinker anymore. I am delighted that he is being brought back to life.”
" One of my favorite hildhood books, I read this classic many times. "
" It made me want to read more about Holland. It was a cute children's book and now I know the story behind Hans Brinker. I've heard the name and it mentioned many times and now I understand it. "
" The most beautiful book that I read when I was little! "
" MCL. Junior Illustrated Library edition. "
" one of my very favorite Christmas stories. I read it every December and love it each time anew. "
" Just finished reading this one with Emma. It was cute. "
" I enjoyed the book and rate it at 7 of 10. The story of Hans and Gretel their family overcoming poverty and Raffs head injury. A happy ending with Hans becoming a doctor. It was a pleasant surpise read. "
" I love the descriptions of the Holland's history and geography. The story is really great. There is a part halfway through that lost my interest for a short period of time. "
" wrong edition until I get back to check. "
" Occasionally this story drifts into melodrama or lapses into tedious descriptions. Nevertheless, it is a fine story, and my entire family enjoyed it. "
Mary Mapes Dodge (1831–1905) was the acknowledged leader in the field of juvenile fiction during her lifetime. From 1873 until her death, she edited and contributed to the children’s magazine St. Nicholas, to which she attracted such writers as Mark Twain, Louisa May Alcott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Rudyard Kipling. She also authored the short-fiction collection Irvington Stories.
Christine Marshall is an actress, director, and designer living in Portland, Maine. She teaches for the Maine State Ballet and produces plays with her theater company, Mad Horse. In addition to audiobooks, she records the online version of the New Yorker.
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