German-born Heinrich Hoffman began writing his famous children's book, Der Struwwelpeter (meaining literally - "Slovenly Peter") in 1844 as a Christmas gift for his son. The manuscript originally consisted of five short stories written in verse accompanied by coloured sketches. The notebook was later expanded and published as a children's book in 1845.

Struwwelpeter describes in graphic detail what will happen to children if they do not do as they are told. The humour of the verses and the illustrations set the book apart from other didactic children's literature of the time, although it did not question the cruelty and sadism ubiquitous in children's books and fairy tales of the early nineteenth-century.

Hoffman's book remains popular, and has been translated into over 100 different languages, adapted, parodied, scorned, and copied. Here you will find several of Hoffman's twisted verses as well as some original verses inspired by Struwwelpeter. Share these cautionary yet humourous tales with your sweetie or your wee ones. It's fun for the whole family!

The Dreadful Story of Pauline and the Matches
The Story of Little Suck-A-Thumb
The Story of Augustus who would not have any Soup
The Cry-Baby
The Little Glutton
Jimmy Sliderlegs

The Tale of Little Monkey Pants
The Naughty Nightime Nuzzle-rod

Struwwelpeter - Slovenly Peter; in German, French and English
Annis Lee Furness's Struwwelpeter
Grimm Brothers' Home Page
Gashleycrumb Tinies
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory