Story of the Root Children [Hardcover]

Sibylle Von Olfers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1996 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

All through the winter the Root Children are asleep underground, but when spring comes Mother Nature wakes them up. Then the Root Children are busy cleaning and painting the beetles and bugs. When summer comes they play in the fields, ponds and meadows. Also available in a mini-version.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Nothing could date this stunningly illustrated century-old book telling the story of the seasons ... Children are enchanted by images like the root children painting a line of ladybirds with pots of red and black paint. Sibylle von Olfers' careful drawings depict Nature scenes halfway between imagination and reality.' -- Juno Magazine, Top Ten Children's Books

About the Author

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

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 18 pages
• Publisher: Floris Books (October 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 086315106X
• ISBN-13: 978-0863151064
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,670 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming story of the cycle of seasons, June 24, 2000

By 

LeeAnn Balbirona (Washington state) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Story of the Root Children (Hardcover)

Originally published in 1906, The Story of the Root-Children is a tale of the seasons. Mother Earth (who looks a bit like Old Mother Hubbard) awakens the little "root children" beneath the dirt and helps them fashion colorful new clothes for the spring, an analogy for the spring flowers pushing through the ground. Also the hibernating insects are readied, all told in beautiful and detailed illustrations.

A favorite with Waldorf-minded families, but suitable for any child. The age recommendation is 4-8, but my 2-1/2 year old is engrossed by this story. She loves to point out the dragonflies, crickets, beetles, bees, butterflies and of course the flowers.

Useful as a sort of introduction to nature identification for toddlers (which flower is that? what type of bug is that?) and also a lesson in the order of the seasons. Only 9 short pages of text, so not too intimidating for the young child and it is all told as a story--not "here's a lesson for you about the flowers and the insects" sort of book.

Also a good gift for any older child or adult who loves beautiful illustrations or collects childrens' books.

62 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars simple and innocent book for nature lovers especially!, October 23, 2000

By 

christinemm - The Thinking Mother (Houston Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Story of the Root Children (Hardcover)

The general tone of this book is rare to find these days. The book was written almost one hundred years ago, so I guess this explains it! A sweet book full of happiness and simple pleasures. On the left side of the book, the page contains only text, and a good amount, about 12 detailed sentences, and the right side of the book is a full page illustration. An adorable story about these little root children who live and hibernate underground during the winter months and come above ground in the spring to play with the flowers and insects until winter approaches and they must return underground. The insects and the wind talk to the root children and guide them. Mother Earth is an old woman who takes care of them, puts them to sleep for the winter and wakes them up in the summer. A romantic tale that any child would love, a fantasy to think that little root children may be running about in the grasses and the forest under our feet! Illustrations are full of insects, butterflies, flowers, and various plants so the parent can talk to the child about them in addition to just reading the text. We need more books like this on the market! My only disappointment was that the book ended so soon--I wanted more, more more!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Story of the Root Children grows dearer each reading, March 29, 2005

By 

Lorraine Smith (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Story of the Root Children (Hardcover)

I was hesitant to purchase this book after reading some of the other reviews, however; I am happy to have followed my instincts. The illustrations are lovely and the story is a wonderful celebration of the seasons. My daughter enjoys having it read to her time and time again. Pair the reading of the book with a craft of making some root children and you surely will have a lovely afternoon.