Heinrich Hoffman's classic cautionary tales for children was first published in German in 1844, with this English edition following four years later in 1848. It has remained a popular childhood favourite ever since. The tales tell the stories of children whose disobedience or bad habits lead them to a sticky end. No childhood is complete without characters like Shock-Headed Peter who never cuts his fingernails or combs his hair, or Suck-a-Thumb or Fidgety Philip. The comically gruesome fates which befall the children is partly what makes Struwelpeter so appealing to young listeners.