These classic cautionary tales contained in Struwwelpeter have sent shivers of fear and delight down the spines of children and their parents for generations. Almost every foible from sucking your thumb, fidgeting at table, not eating up what you are given is covered in a witty rhyme which ends in a nasty comuppance for the child. Although the shocking endings are more savage than would now be thought acceptable the sentiments will be familiar to parents and the brutality awesomely delightful to children. Interestingly, although written in language that would no longer be acceptable, the verses warning against racism and playing with guns seem remarkably modern.
One of the most popular and influential children's book ever written, this time-honored tale - sure to produce lots of giggles - describes the gruesome consequences that befall children who torment animals, play with matches, suck their thumbs, refuse to eat, and fidget at meals. A collector's item, written in rhyming couplets and illustrated by the author.
Heinrich Hoffmann (1809-1894), a doctor in his native Frankfurt (where there is a museum devoted to his work), often told funny stories to put his young patients at their ease. Frustrated by the moralistic tone of contemporary children’s books, he wrote and illustrated this picture book as a Christmas present for his three-year-old son, and it has delighted and terrified generations since.
