Princess in the Forest [Hardcover]

Sibylle Von Olfers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2000 | Age Level: 3 and up

The princess lives in a castle in the forest. The nature folk of the forest are her friends and companions.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sibylle von Olfers' (1881-1916) blend of natural observation and use of simple design has led to comparisons with Kate Greenaway and Elsa Beskow. Her other published works include The Story of the Root Children.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 28 pages
• Publisher: Floris Books (November 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0863151892
• ISBN-13: 978-0863151897
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,874 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another enchanting story by Sibylle von Olfers, February 10, 2003

By 

LeeAnn Balbirona (Washington state) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Princess in the Forest (Hardcover)

I ordered this book directly from Gryphon House publishers, so it's not out of print. I don't know why Amazon.com lists it as such.

"The Princess in the Forest" was originally published in 1909. If you liked von Olfers' "The Story of the Root Children" then you will surely enjoy "The Princess in the Forest." It is another lovely combination of simple text and beautiful, detailed illustrations. This story focuses on the cycle of a single day, rather than the seasonal cycle in "Root Children." Eight simple pages of text and eight lovely accompanying illustrations make for a gentle and calming bedtime story.

The princess wakes in her castle, dew maids clothe her, moss boys bring her breakfast and a pair of crows give her school lessons. Then it is time for play with the forest animals and storytelling to the mushroom children and finally the star folk come to light her way home. One single star watches over the princess through the night. Each illustration is framed by a realistic botanical drawing, adding to further nature-identification fun.

The animals are drawn realistically (like in Beatrix Potter's books) and the children look like children rather than cartoons. The princess in this story is drawn as a young girl, maybe 8-12 years old, clothed in a long, tunic-like red robe, which I liked, as opposed to many princess stories which feature an adult or teenage girl in gaudy and sometimes bosomy dress. The artwork and story emphasize innocence and a natural setting; there are no wicked antagonists or scary situations.

Highly recommended for princess fans of all ages, although the text is suitable for first or second grade-level readers to read alone.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for all ages, January 16, 2009

By 

Anne M. Hancock - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Princess in the Forest (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my 2 year old for Christmas. It has become a favorite. I love the simple, yet fantastical illustrations. The story is a good length for the shortened attention spans of toddlers. I have other books by Olfer, but this one is best suited for younger ones.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars my tomboy loves this book!, August 12, 2008

By 

Jen B (VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Princess in the Forest (Hardcover)

I probably wouldn't give this a five, but my daughter would. It really is a sweet book and a great alternative to the overmarketed Disney princesses, but it is so simple and short. Maybe it is this simplicity that my child loves. The princess is not a damsel in distress and is kind and unassuming. There is no real storyline, just a princess going about her day, with the help of star folk and moss children, but it is a sweet story all the same. It is another nice book by Sibylle Von Olfers.