Johanna Spyri is best known as being the author of the children's story Heidi. Spyri lost her husband and son in 1884. After their deaths she devoted her life to charitable work and writing 50 books for children. Cornelli is the story of a happy little Swiss girl who goes to live with an aunt after her mother dies. She becomes sullen and unattractive when her aunt fails to understand her. Fortunately, she is able to regain her sunny disposition. The story beings, "A little girl with glowing cheeks and blowing hair came running through the wood. Her eyes sparkled with delight, while she was being driven along by the wind, or had to fight her way against it. From her arm was dangling a hat, which, as she raced along, seemed anxious to free itself from the fluttering ribbons in order to fly away. The child now slackened her pace and began to sing."