Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates

By: Mary Mapes Dodge

Narrated by: John McDonough

Can young Hans Brinker win the silver skates that are the only hope of saving his family from ruin? Hans and his little sister Gretel live in Holland, a colorful and exciting country of windmills and great canals. Unfortunately, the Brinkers are very poor and their father is ill, and Hans wonders whether they'll survive the long, harsh winter. Then he finds out about an ice skating race, and the prize - a pair of shiny silver skates - that might help his family survive. But the determined, devoted boy and his sister must overcome several nearly impossible challenges before the race even begins. This heartwarming children's classic provides a fascinating look at 19th century Dutch life, while inspiring millions of young people with its story of hard work, goodness, and family unity.

Public Domain (P)1996 Recorded Books, Inc.

Entertaining except for the digressions

This is an entertaining children's story, interrupted by long digressions on Dutch history and culture. This is one of the few occasions where I would have preferred an abridgement.

Great read

Love the descriptive narrative; left me feeling more knowledgeable about Holland (a dear friend’s homeland).

Wonderful

This was a charming and engaging story and well woven together. The style of the narrator was like a wonderful Grandfather, captivating the imagination as he tells each lively detail.

fantastic book

this book not only had a classical tell a family and perseverance but had fantastic history of Holland I can't wait to visit the country

History of Holand with a bonus story

I have read this outloud to my older children and I enjoyed it so, so much more listening to John McDonugh's narration. If you are looking for art, culture, history and geography of Holand, it is all here with a heartfelt story.