Heidi: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mariah Marsden

Heidi: A Graphic Novel introduces young readers to the classic story with gentle artwork and minimal text.

Heidi: A Graphic Novel by Joanna Spiri, adapted by Mariah Marsden and illustrated by Ofride. Andrews McMeel, 2025, 153 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10

Recommended for: ages 6-12

I’ll admit it: I’ve never read Heidi in the original version so I can’t absolutely vouch for the faithfulness of this adaptation. But it feels right. Even if you haven’t read the book, you’re probably aware of the story in general terms. A little girl is taken to the Swiss Alps to live with her grandfather after her parents have died of tuberculosis. The old man is estranged from his son (Heidi’s father) and hardened by his experience in the Franco-Prussian War. But the little girl’s exuberant spirit soon wins him over.

Heidi is equally charmed by the mountains, the goats, and the goatherd Peter. After an idyllic year, however, she’s removed to the city of Frankfort to serve as a companion for Clara, a lonely girl who spends her days in a wheelchair. Clara soon comes to love the high-spirited country girl, and Heidi loves Clara, but begins to fade like a plucked sprig of edelweiss in the stultifying city air. Will she ever be able to escape to her beloved mountains again?

The graphic novel tells much of the story in wordless pastel-toned pictures, leaving the reader to fill in the action. Budding graphic artists could learn something of visual sequence and pacing just by following the panels. Otherwise the narrative includes just enough text to communicate the action and appeal of the story without going into great detail. The appendix includes a short biography of Joanna Spiri, background information about the setting, and a list of Heidi adaptations.

Bottom Line: A sweet and gentle visual adaptation of a sweet and gentle story.

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Reflection: Some Words about Wordless Books
• Reviews: See our reviews of Other graphic-novel adaptations, as well as The Iliad and The Odyssey (for 12 and up)  

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Order Heidi: A Graphic Novel from Amazon.

Heidi is also available in a three-volume set with Mariah Marsden’s graphic-novel adaptations of The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables.