In the book, the story is set in winter and spring - the film was made in the summer.
In the book, Dick and Dalli live with their grandmother and a 40-year-old aunt, Mathilde, whereas in the film, Mathilde is replaced by Angela, Dick's and Dalli's older sister. In both cases, a romance develops between Jochen von Roth and Mathilde/Angela.
In the book, there is no romance between Dick and Ethelbert.
In the book, the differences between horses and ponies and their correct treatment are a very important issue.
In the book, the village children take no part in the adventures of Dick, Dalli, and Mans.
In the book, it takes much longer for Ethelbert to come round, and the events leading to it are different.
There is no dancing in the book, but some talk of Vikings.
