Johanna Spyri was born in Hirzel, Switzerland, on 12 June 1827. She grew up in the Swizz Alps and spent most of her summers near Coire in the Grisons. The landscapes here provided a setting for her stories. A Note on Vrony’s Grave (1880) was her first story. This was followed by numerous other stories. Heidi, a novel she took only four weeks to complete, was first published in 1881. In this outstanding work of children’s fiction, the picturesque landscapes almost come alive. Heidi is regarded as one of the finest works of Swiss literature. Her other books include: The Story of Rico (1882); Gritli’s Children (1885); Veronica And Other Friends (1886); Cornelli (1892); and Moni the Goat-Boy (1897). Originally written in German, her works have been translated into English.