Sibylle von Olfers (1881 1916) was a German childrens 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 childrens books including The Story of the Snow Children and The Story of the Wind Children.
"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, its 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, its time to go back to their cosy home below ground.
Sibylle von Olfers classic story has been loved by generations of children. Its also available in a mini-format edition and a board book for very little hands.
