Customer Reviews

The Seven-Year-Old Wonder Book

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3 star:		(1)
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Do you have a child around the age of seven? This magical collection of read-aloud stories has been especially chosen for that age group. It contains forty-one short stories, with a few black and white drawings scattered throughout, that will take you through the entire year of seasons, holidays and birthdays. The one character that accompanies the reader throughout the whole book is Sylvia. Sometimes she is the subject of the story and at other times her mother is telling her a story. You'll read about princes, dragons, animals, fairies and more! This collection is suitable for both boys and girls ages 6 ½ to 8, but most especially seven-year olds. This book is out-of-print in the U.S. and a rare treat when you can find it!

In a world that has become disconnected to the heart, this book truly speaks to just that, the heart and soul of the child who is fortunate to listen to the wonderful and magical places Sylvia's mother takes her to in every chapter of the book. Sylvia is the little girl who is the main character and who is unfolding into the wonderful age of 7. She experiences so many wholesome, down-to-earth, yet ethereal events that will speak to the child within yourself as well as to your own child. Each chapter has episodes that are weaved into meaningful stories. Our tattered copy of The 7 yr. old Wonder Book has been read so many times and also loaned to friends who need a heartfelt story for their child. The works of Isabel Wyatt are a wonderous rare find as she truly understands the consciousness and soul of children.

I cannot recommend a better book to read aloud to children. Ages 5 to 10 are the best.

My 6-year old's teacher reminded me about this book at our conferences. It is a magical journey for children to share. Sylvia lives in a cottage near the woods with her mother. She is very connected to the world of gnomes and fairies, and spends her days doing things I wish I could do with my girl - she bakes, paints, visits with the Old Woodsman who smells like the trees and love...She has a "Sister-in-the-Bushes" to talk to. She has friends in the village who come to her St. Nicholas party. It's an amazing life. Each night her mother tells her a story, usually connected to the events of her day. Then, Sylvia puts her "Wonder Book" out on her bedside table. During the night, the Rhyme-Elves come to paint a picture and write her a short poem connected to her day. The book is full of seasonal celebrations from Michelmas to Advent to St. Nicholas to King's Day. Sylvia loses her first tooth (which means that NOW she can go to school). I highly recommend this book to everyone looking to find something magical to read at bedtime. My daughter is spellbound. One minor fault, easily changed when reading - the dark gnomes, ones who are evil and scary (leading her into the woods when her mother told her not to go in alone, but helping her experience why she needs to mind her mother) are all referred to as 'black imps'. I changed that to 'dark imps'. PS - my daughter has had an easier time not being led by her inner 'dark imp' since we've been reading this together. But, I fight the guilts over not providing her with a Wonder Book of her own!

I was given this book when I was seven and have since cherished it for its beauty and sensitivity. It is a wonderful read aloud book for ages 6-8 and mostly 7 that is inspiring both for children and adults alike. Enjoy!

One of the best children's books I have run across. The book explains the consequences and dangers of the shadow world and the rewarding richness of standing in the light. It is presented in a non religious, simple and magical way. Opening the doors of understanding for children and reminding adults at the same time.

I read this book as a child over and over again. I highly recommend it for both boys and girls. It sparks the imagination and provides enchanting day-dream material for any 5-10 yr. old through the adventures of a little girl named Sylvia.

I checked this book out from our local library, and loved the first half so much that I bought it before finishing it. To my chagrin, the second half of the book is nearly entirely about Christmas. There is even a moralistic story of Adam and Eve's fall from the garden, which I could not bring myself to read to my children. We are pagan homeschoolers, and we use a Waldorf curriculum because it is so easily altered to make it pagan (cycle of seasons, nature and art-based, etc). If your family is not Christian, you are better off looking somewhere else for nature-based fairy stories. I will be returning this book as soon as it arrives.

Firstly, I should say we are a Waldorf family and we love that "magical fairy-land" kind of stuff. HOWEVER, this book is so rich, full of deeper meanings and truths-that I think any intelligent person would take a great deal from it- you don't have to be "Waldorfy" to love it. The book is so well-written, I have a difficult time believing a teacher from the beginning of the century wrote it. The author obviously was a truly spiritual woman, recognizing the unseen wonders and esoteric nature of life and was able to convey these truths woven into wonderful stories. I was continually enchanted and your little one will be too!! A MUST FOR LITTLE GIRLS!!!

Of all of the books read to me when I was little, few stand out more prominently in my memory than this one. Now, over twenty years later, I am so pleased to have just found my old copy, which I hope someday to read to my children. What a magical book!