Palumba

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.

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.

A favorite with Waldorf-minded families, but suitable for any child. The age recommendation is 4-8, but a 2-1/2 year old is also engrossed by the story. Children love to point out the dragonflies, crickets, beetles, bees, butterflies and of course the flowers. Also, a good gift for any older child or adult who loves beautiful illustrations or collects childrens' books.