Hans Brinker
“[Hans Brinker] has been read by every generation...and will be read by many coming ones with equal pleasure.”
Boston Transcript, 1895
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.
“[Hans Brinker] has been read by every generation...and will be read by many coming ones with equal pleasure.”
Boston Transcript, 1895
“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.”
Entertainment Weekly
“Hans Brinker [is] probably the most famous children’s story about [Holland] ever written—it is a noteworthy event to young people.”
Public Library Bulletin, 1893
“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.”
Lewis Smedes, Fuller Theological Seminary
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.