Mother Earth and Her Children: A Quilted Fairy Tale

If you are a fan of gentle stories and old-fashioned children's books, such as those used for Waldorf education, you've probably read  Story of the Root Children #1491  by Sibylle Von Olfers. It's a lovely story, so I searched by other books by the same author and came across this title, and ordered it sight unseen.The book was not what I expected. It is not a new story by the same author, but rather a paraphrased retelling of The Story of the Root Children. Instead of the original illustrations, the pictures are photographs of a quilt that was created based on the original book. I did not realize that "Mother Earth and Her Children" and "The Story of the Root Children" were one and the same, I wish that was a little more clear in the product description.Don't get me wrong, the quilt is absolutely amazing and spectacular. I'm in awe of how anyone was able to create it, the quilt is a work of art. The dust jacket can be removed and has a little poster on the backside of the full quilt. If you are a fan of quilts or quilting, you will probably appreciate the book just for the beauty of the quilt. And if you are a huge fan of the original Root Children, you may also want this book just to see this lovely "fan art," if you will.However, if you're like me, and are looking for Waldorf-style picture books, you'll probably prefer the original story with Von Olfer's gentle watercolor illustrations. There's not really a reason to have both of the books, as it is the same story, and basically the same pictures (the quilt is simply a sewn version of the original watercolors.)This book does have one advantage over the original in that the colors are brighter and the paper quality (at least on the hardcover) is very good and glossy. It's a better quality book than The Story of the Root Children I purchased on Amazon , which did not have the highest quality reproductions and was a little grainy and washed out in places. Also, if you have a very young child you may prefer the shorter text in this version. Otherwise, plan on picking up the original version.

When I bought this book; I saw the title and the author and thought I was buying a book/ story that I didn't have. I really think that in the description, it should have said that this an adaption of the Root children.That being said. The illustrations are amazing and the phrasing is perfect for my littlest one. We thought about sending it back, but the pictures make me so happy; I can't let go of it.My disappointment is that it was misrepresented. "Mother earth and her children" could likely be a story of all of the root, snow, wind children....

My 2 year old loves this book, because he is always finding little bugs and flowers that he didn't notice before. He loves lady bugs, which are featured prominently, so counting them is a big hit.Crafters will appreciate this book because of the jaw-droppingly fantastic illustrative quilting; Earth lovers will appreciate it for it's imaginative and loving tale of the seasons and the beauty of the natural world.My family runs on a steady tank of Earth spirituality and DIY homesteading, so this book is right up our alley, and was a fast favorite.

I loved this book when I was a child, and my children and grandchildren love it now. I purchased this book for my grandchildren. They are pre-readers, but we "read" the story together and identify plants and animals. Lovely and loving illustrations. Highly recommend.

This is one of my all time favorite books for children, I absolutely adore this book and the art work.

Loved this book. I saw the quilt at the Houston show when Sieglinde Smith won best of show. I was curious as to what the story was like that she based the quilt on. I found this and am thrilled to have it.

I ordered this book for my son because I love how it uses the children and mother earth to personify the seasons and the energies (nature spirits)that create the flowers, the bugs, and live in harmony with the seasons. My 16mo son loves this book.There are so many wonderful details to look at and I love the idea of getting him in touch with nature.This book not only creatively displays the seasons, but hints at the spirit behind each manifestation, each creation of Life.

Great book. My 2 yr old and I love it.

Such beautiful illustrations of the patchwork quilt drawing. This is a must for nature loving children and parents. Highly recommend.

Beautiful book, and I love that the translation has been made to rhyme. I bought this for my 3 year old and I think perhaps it's a bit young for him, there aren't as many words per page as we normally have, but for now it is fine and I love that it is waking up his imagination.

Lovely book with a story of the root and flower children all over the year. The children in my kindergarten we're delighted with the pictures. It is a favourite.

The illustrations in this book are simply gorgeous.I love the history behind this book too; as detailed at the back.I think perhaps there is something lost in translation with the story; as I find it a little odd; but still a book that is loved by both my almost 4yr old son, myself and the children I mind.

Beautiful classical tale and very artistically presented, it will always be appreciated and loved by children and adults. An inspiration.