Customer Reviews

Story of the Root Children

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

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.

The illustrations are definitely the highlight of this book, although the story is cute too. My sons really like this book. They sometimes make their own connections between the story and what is happening in their environment. I recommend this title for children ages 2-8.

This is one of my all time favorite books. The illustrations are fantastic and the story line is meaningful and creative.

This is the story about the root children and their adventures thru the seasons and what they do, who they meet and then them getting ready for winter where the go back into the ground and sleep with MOther Earth. :)

Heather mama of 5

This book is very popular among other Waldorf schoolers due to it's depiction of the seasons and the cycles within nature...I was suprised to find that the format and illustrations are not lovely in their simplicity, as some illustrators are capable of acheiving.
Even more surprising was the authors depiction of Mother Earth! I have never thought of Mother Earth as a tired old woman and certainly do not wish for my children to see her in this light. Nature is vibrant and full of life, not shortsighted and foreboding as she appears here. I can't help feeling sorry for the little root children who are tasked by her in this story.
For a more aesthetically satisfying display of nature, see any of Elsa Beskow's books, particulary, Children of the Forest and Around the Year.

This is a very good story to share with all children! My kids loved it and so did the grandchildren.

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. It takes the child through the seasons and they love the colorful pictures and sweet seed children. It's simple and there in lies it's charm in many ways. It touches children where they live. Children are enthralled by it's lovely pictures and simple text.