"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

Set in the Netherlands, the beautiful land of windmills, tulips, and wooden shoes, the story concerns
the experiences of the impoverished Brinker family. The good deeds of the Brinker children, Hans and
Gretel, help to restore their father's health and bring about their own good fortune. Mary Mapes Dodge
also included many interesting details about Dutch family life and the history and geography of the
country.

Although Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates was published over one hundred and forty years ago,
it continues to delight countless readers with its story of a virtuous family that inspires us all to have the
courage to pursue our dreams.