Struwwelpeter by Heinrich Hoffmann is a classic German children's book of rhyming cautionary tales, first published in 1844 and translated into English in 1848. Each short verse presents a naughty child and the trouble that follows, illustrated with memorable pictures. It is worth listening to for its playful rhythm and its glimpse into nineteenth-century children's humour.
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Cover of the original edition (Project Gutenberg, public domain).
Text source: gutenberg.org · The work is in the public domain.
Opening of the book
[Transcriber's Note: This book was first published in German in 1844, and in English translation in 1848. This edition was not dated.]
STRUWWELPETER
MERRY STORIES AND FUNNY PICTURES
Heinrich Hoffman
FREDERICK WARNE & CO., INC. NEW YORK
Title Page
CONTENTS
Merry Stories And Funny Pictures Merry Stories and Funny Pictures When the children have been good When the children have been good, That is, be it understood, Good at meal-times, good at play, Good all night and good all day— They shall have the pretty things Merry Christmas always brings. Naughty, romping girls and boys Tear their clothes and make a noise, Spoil their pinafores and frocks, And deserve no Christmas-box. Such as these shall never look At this pretty Picture-book. Naughty, romping girls and boys Shock-headed Peter Shock-headed Peter Just look at him! there he stands Just look at him! there he stands, With his nasty hair and hands. See! his nails are never cut; They are grimed as black as soot; And the sloven, I declare, Never once has combed his hair; Anything to me is sweeter Than to see Shock-headed Peter. Anything to me is sweeter Than to see Shock-headed Peter
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