A Bell for Ursli

A Picture Book from Engadin

Summary:
This Swiss children's book classic tells the story of Schellen-Ursli and his quest for a large cowbell so that he can lead the spring festival procession in his village. To obtain this bell, he ventures alone to his family's summer cabin high in the mountains and spends a lonely, eerie night there.

Authors: Chönz, Selina; Carigiet, Alois (Illustrations)
About the Author:
In 1945, the "Uorsin" by the Engadin poet and kindergarten teacher Selina Chönz was published, which gained worldwide fame through the illustrations of painter Alois Carigiet. Ursli is the hero of the story, embodying themes of departure and return, independent action, and self-assertion. Soon after, picture books about his sister "Flurina" and their adventures in the "Great Snow" followed. In terms of international success, Schellen-Ursli is the little brother of Heidi. However, regarding the illustrations by Alois Carigiet, it stands as a monument of Swiss graphic art of the 20th century, an icon of Swiss picture book creation, and a genuine ambassador of Alpine self-assertion. Every year, tourists from around the world visit Ursli's homeland. Most importantly, however, he remains an enduringly popular figure as a great hero of little heroes.