Customer Reviews

When The Root Children Wake Up

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Being very familiar and in love with the 1902 version of this book, I didn't know what to make of this new version, at first. But it grows on you! I especially like the way Mother Earth is portrayed, not as a Grandmotherly figure, but a beautiful woman maybe in her early thirties - an image of fertility and fruitfulness. The illustrations are lush and a bit overdone in places, but they represent the bounty of the seasons well. The introduction of Aunt Spring, Cousin Summer, Uncle Fall and Old Man Winter is different than the original, but not offensive or upsetting even to a die-hard fan, like me. The text is shorter and, for that reason, may appeal to younger children who can't sit through Sibylle von Olfers' word-ier original story. Overall, when I compare the two, the 1902 original has a certain charm that is hard to deny. Von Olfers' illustrations are simple and the text is straightforward, although a bit wordy. This new remake is beautifully done and has a different feel altogether: it's lush, full of life, color and movement. Audrey Wood has taken a risk to remake such a beloved classic, but I believe she made a good effort and successfully made it her own. I can't say it's better than the original, but I like it!

This elegantly crafted book is a pure delight! The light-hearted text and the beautiful evocative oil paintings that illustrate the story lead us on a whimsical journey through the changing seasons. We are re-introduced to delightful characters from an old German story about birth and rebirth and treated to the colorful adventures of the Root Children as they awaken in Spring and begin painting the bugs and making lovely flower costumes. We also meet Old Grandfather Winter, Mother Earth, Kind Aunt Spring, Jolly Cousin Summer, and Studious Uncle Fall. The joyous adventures of the Root Children as they meet their older relatives and a host of woodland creatures out in the world are brimming with color and fun. The multi-racial children sport colorful butterfly wings and flower garlands as they frisk about the abundant earth revelling in Nature. The expressions and body language of real children are reflected in these lovely illustrations. The double page spreads draw one in to the festivities and are complimented by a beautiful, uncharacteristic font style for added ambiance. The dust jacket is a smooth silvery paper with a glossy full color picture of the Root Children and a lovely tangle of budding trees. The endpapers are a silvery blue with the same lovely trees and the covers of the book itself are a simulated embossed soft brown leather with a picture of a little Root Child girl holding a lighted candle, oak leaves in her hair. No detail was spared in this lovely book and it is sure to become a beloved treasure.

This is a rare find for those with Earth based spirituality/religion. The illustrations are lush and detailed, and the story is a perfect introduction for children to the Wheel of the Year.

This is a beautiful book! The artwork in this book is among the best I've seen in a child's book. It's a wonderful version of a classic story & the words flow like poetry. It's a great starter book to introduce young children to the wheel of the year & the changing seasons.

The only flaw is the typeface is so artistic it is sometimes hard to read, just read slowly & savor each word.

You'll love this book, go ahead & buy 2 copies! You're going to want to share it with everyone you know!

I thought the original was great.. this is even better. The art work is stunning and Audrey Wood tells a great tale. We have been reading this book every night for 3 months! LOL
It is aboutthe root children (who are really flowers) and the jaunt into the world thru spring, summer and fall.. then back into the ground for the spring.
As a Pagan I found this a lovely story about the seasons, Mother Earth, and the beauty of nature!

Heather mama to 5

This book has beautiful depictions of seasonal characters (Cousin Summer, Aunt Spring, etc.) The story is magical in it's description of the changing seasons. It would make a very nice gift, as well as a special addition to your child's own library. Our 3-year-old adores the story and is mesmerized by the illustrations. Definitely one of her favorites!

I will agree with the other reviewers, the illustrations in this book are amazing. Mr. Bittinger is an absolute artistic master, the figures and scenes he paints for this book represent art at its finest.

I differ in opinion on the story, however, and find myself wishing that a different author had written it, or perhaps that the original story had been used instead. I found the text stilted and weak, at times a bit hackneyed in presentation - eg "May love and happiness follow wherever you may bloom". We may be Pagan hippies, but even I can't stand such fluffy (and badly edited) writing. For this reason, I haven't brought myself to buy this book yet, we'll be enjoying it from the library until I decide if I can stand to read it over and over, as will be the case with our little man.

I adore this book; the illustrations are fabulous and story is very sweet. There's even a lovely little song at the end.