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.
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Book Description
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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.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
74 of 75 people found the following review helpful
Format: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!
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By Sarah
Format:Hardcover
This was my favorite book as a child. The art-nouveau illustrations are evocative and detailed, but simple and not overwhelming. The story itself is likewise simple but beautifully-written. It has depth, pointing you to ideas that you can explore with your children, without being tedious or trite. This book is a wonderful illustration of the first stirrings of spring, hidden in secret underground, and I'm sure my children will love it as much as I did.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Please use this text with the images from the board book version
Originally bought the board book version, but I dislike the story used in it. However, the images in the board book version are so much better than in this book. Why is that? Read more
Published 25 days ago by syd
5.0 out of 5 stars
beautiful book
the illustrations are exquisit and the story is very sweet. my six and eight year old both still love this book.
Published 1 month ago by Karen Goodyke
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic
A great way to explain the seasons to a child in a beautiful manner, the Root Children is the original, the whole series is wonderful.
Published 2 months ago by Juliet C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unbelievably good
My mother read this to my brother and I many times between 50 and 60 years ago.
The pictures and story are sensational, I hope that the publishers have fixed
the quality... Read more
The pictures and story are sensational, I hope that the publishers have fixed
the quality... Read more
Published 4 months ago by H. Buning
5.0 out of 5 stars
Story of the Root Children
Wow. The beauty in this book is overwhelming. Every page is brimming with eye catching art and it has a lovely story. My son adores the story and the art.
Published 4 months ago by JeanTheGrey
1.0 out of 5 stars
Awful edition of a beautiful book
This book would have deserved a better treatment: sloppy printing (blurred focus; misaligned, pale colours) and a careless translation in prose make this English edition... Read more
Published 8 months ago by christianemorgenstern
1.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely poor print quality
What a disappointment! I ordered this as a gift after owning a copy myself. The print quality is out of focus and slightly askew (so the colors are about 1 mm outside of the lines)... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Amy
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Story of the Root Children
This is a must have for young children. It is charming and enriching and blends beautifully with the dreaminess of childhood. Every child I know loves this book. Read more
Published on January 8, 2011 by CJD
2.0 out of 5 stars
bad translation
I originally read this book in German, a book with big beautiful pictures, few but meaningful words- that rhyme. This book doesn't compare. It is not fun to read for an adult. Read more
Published on December 16, 2010 by apprentice nature mama-of 3!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Family tradition
I read this to my children and now grandchildren as my father read it to me and his parents to him. There is just a reason why such books keep being passed along through the... Read more
Published on February 28, 2010 by Julie T. Perry
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