Book details
Der Struwwelpeter: Merry Stories and Funny Pictures
Description
This classic collection of short children's stories has been translated into English. Der Struwwelpeter (1845) is a popular German children's book by Heinrich Hoffmann. It comprises ten illustrated and rhymed stories, mostly about children. Each has a clear moral that demonstrates the disastrous consequences of misbehavior in an exaggerated way. The title of the first story provides the title of the whole book. Literally translated, Struwwel-Peter means Shaggy-Peter. Struwwelpeter describes a boy who does not groom himself properly and is consequently unpopular.
Age
6-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
24 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Significance: 'Der Struwwelpeter' is a classic piece of German literature that has influenced children's books worldwide. Reading it provides insight into 19th-century German culture and the history of children's literature.
- Moral Lessons: The book contains a collection of cautionary tales that aim to teach children about the consequences of misbehavior through exaggerated and fantastical stories, offering moral lessons that are still relevant today.
- Artistic Illustrations: Heinrich Hoffmann was not only a writer but also an illustrator. His original drawings in 'Der Struwwelpeter' are considered iconic, and they add a unique visual dimension to the storytelling that can be appreciated by readers of all ages.
- Literary Appreciation: Reading 'Der Struwwelpeter' allows one to appreciate the rhyme and rhythm of Hoffmann's verse. The book's playful language and memorable characters have made it a beloved classic, and experiencing it firsthand is the best way to understand its enduring appeal.