Publisher Description

"Under the ground, deep in the earth among the roots of the trees, the little root children were fast asleep all winter long. . ."

When spring comes, it's time for the root children -- snowdrop, forget-me-not, buttercup, daisy and poppy -- to wake up! There are new dresses to sew, and insects to be painted.

When summer comes, the root children are free to play in the beautiful fields, ponds and meadows. But when autumn comes and the cold wind starts to blow, it's time to go back to their cosy home below ground.

Sibylle von Olfers' vintage stories of nature children have been loved by generations. The whimsical tales are accompanied by beautiful art nouveau illustrations of characterful creatures, cheerful plants and flowers and magical little folk.

This wonderful new edition of The Story of the Root Children faithfully reproduces Olfers' classic illustrations in a collectable picture book featuring a hand-crafted design, premium-quality paper and a luxurious cloth spine. The Sibylle von Olfers library also includes mini gift editions and board books for very young children.

Author Biography

Sibylle von Olfers (1881–1916) was a German children's author and illustrator. Well-known for her blend of natural observation and simple design in the art nouveau style, her work has been likened to Kate Greenaway and Elsa Beskow. Encouraged by her aunt, writer and painter Marie von Olfers, Sibylle studied at art college in Berlin. At aged 25 she took the name Sister Maria Aloysia and published her first picture book, The Story of the Root Children. She created six more picture books in the following decade before her untimely death. Her legacy is a collection of beloved children's books including The Story of the Snow Children and The Story of the Wind Children.

Review

'A celebration of the wonders that spring and summer offer each year.'
-- New York Botanical Garden

'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

Long Description

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.

Review Quote

'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 'A celebration of the wonders that spring and summer offer each year.' - New York Botanical Garden

Description for Sales People

Lifetime sales of almost 45,000 copies in English. A classic story of the changing seasons from popular German author and illustrator Sibylle von Olfers, featuring beautiful art nouveau style illustrations. Von Olfers' blend of natural observation and use of simple design has led to her being compared to Kate Greenaway and Elsa Beskow. Von Olfers's catalog has sold over 250,000 books to date in English.

Details