“Wake up, children,” she called kindly. “Time to get up now. You’ve slept long enough. Spring is coming and there’s work to be done…”
I found myself searching through picture books in the library one spring day. There were several books around, but most of them all had the same look – the look of “new,” with bright colors and cartoonish characters dancing across the pages as images we’ve seen over and over again. This time, I was looking for something different. It just so happened that there WAS a special book mixed in with the “new,” and I found it that day just by chance.
Who were these precious little faces on the front cover looking back at me?! They were delightful! As I flipped through the pages, I was swept away in the pictures of the Root Children, as they bring flowers to decorate the Earth above. The Story of the Root Children, written over 100 years ago, still holds beauty for the children of today. Sibylle Von Olfers, a 19th century German author, wrote this simple, creative story of spring. The Root Children are awakened by Mother Earth. They make their gowns, paint the beetles and bugs, then go above ground with flowers to play until autumn arrives again.
The uncomplicated beauty of The Story of the Root Children resonates with me. The tone is warm and maternal, expressive of how nature works together to care for each new season of life. I’m inspired by her natural, gentle drawings, which are in stark contrast to the almost over-stimulating styles of today. As I read, I experience the childlike simplicity of times past.
Why expose your children to books written in the distant past? They are full of REAL imagination! What you’re seeing on the pages before you wasn’t contrived from modern day books and movies. There were no magical special effects. It is from the mind of someone relying only on what they’ve experienced; and I find it far less complicated than some books being written today.
When finished, it’s a compilation of the time it represents. This is important in our culture of children who have grown up in our smartphone kind of world. Through older books, you can take them out of that, even for just a few moments, and help them appreciate a simpler approach to entertainment. These books hold the feeling of the days in which they were written, and so much can be learned from this experience.
Never forget the magic a picture book holds for a child. Do you want your child to be a better reader? Reading to your child is one of the best things you can do to help them, as they are given the chance to hear language sounds and learn new vocabulary words. Picture books give your child access to some of the most talented, creative authors and illustrators throughout history. They can open a window for artistic expression. If properly chosen, picture books can even present the child a different time and cultural experience. Rich, adventure-filled literature adds to their sense of wonder and sparks a curiosity that is sometimes lost in today’s culture.
Interested in more by Sibylle von Olfers? You should be! She has written several other books, all of which are endearing. Own them all to create an exciting Author’s Study for your little ones! Promise, they will awaken your soul as the adventures unfold. Here’s my take on a few of them. 🙂
The Story of the Snow Children (1905) This was an easy purchase for me after falling head over heels for this author. The main character, Poppy, wears an eye-catching cape throughout the story (it’s a dead ringer for Little Red Riding Hood’s!) As she is staring out the window one snowy day, she sees that the snowflakes are really little Snow Children! She goes on an adventure with them, as they whisk her away to the Snow Queen’s wintry kingdom.
The Story of the Rabbit Children (1906) Say whaaat?! These children are seriously in adorable brown rabbit suits. I can’t even! So, when the hunter’s children (the bunny suit clan) fall out of their cradle in the woods, a mother rabbit cares for them. She lovingly makes them rabbit suits to keep them warm and they become BFF’s with her rabbit children. As the hunter searches for his children, he comes across some rabbits, which run away in fear. But his ever-so-keen dog Spot notices there’s something familiar about these little rabbits and rounds them chil’rens right up!
The Story of Little Billy Bluesocks (1906) This charming story tells about a day in the life of an adventure-seeking little boy. On each page, you’ll find Little Billy Bluesocks as he is going through the day doing various tasks. He wakes up, plants a seed, feeds the rabbits, plays on the seesaw with his dog, picks apples, has a delicious supper, and finally goes to bed. Thumbs up! Sounds like a life well lived, Little Billy.
The Princess in the Forest (1909) The princess lives in a castle in the forest. I’m sure you all know the type. She’s like the forest creature whisperer and her day begins when the dew maids come to help her wash and dress. It’s like a dream come true, really.
The Story of the Wind Children (1910) Poor Little George is desperate for some wind to make his boat sail. The darling little wind child shows up and blows the boat just for him, the lucky chap. Then they are off on a great adventure, as the wind child blows dandelions in the meadows, shakes apples from the tree, blows the leaves around, and eventually blows George back home on a cloud.
The Story of the Butterfly Children (1910) This is just a precious little story of all things that flitter and fly! The butterfly folk live in a kingdom of beautiful gardens. The butterfly children frolic and sing all day long with the caterpillars. They can hardly wait until spring, when they will finally get their wings. First, they must learn about the many brightly colored flowers in the kingdom, so they can take part in the flying procession of peacock, swallowtail, red admiral, and many other butterflies.
The Story of King Lion (1912) As you might expect, King Lion is having a feast. All his animal subjects bring their favorite meal — saltwater lemonade from the fish, snail sausages from the hedgehog, and thistle salad from the donkey. But which dish will King Lion like the best? You have to read it to find out! This tale from the animal kingdom is told in rhyming verses, which really add to the excitement.
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