About the Author

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.

Reviews

'I really like the pictures because they're really nice pictures. I just love this book. It's beautiful and nice. It would be hard for me if I had to give this book back to the library.'
-- Xavier, age 4, for Kids Book Buzz

'The illustrations in the book are absolutely beautiful -- charming with soft, muted colors. They remind me of a cross between Tasha Tudor and Beatrix Potter.'
-- Youth Services Book Review

'A lovely little book for the younger children, telling adventures of the wind children, blowing dandelions, boats, apples from the tree and more.'
-- Kindling

'Born in East Prussia in 1881, Sibylle von Olfers' highly adept naturalist style places her work firmly in the vein of Beatrix Potter, Kate Greenaway and Elsa Beskow. Autumn and nature are brilliantly personified in this beautifully detailed work.'
--Achuka magazine

'In each of her seasonal books, von Olfers' illustrations are painted in tones which perfectly match the mood of the time of year, and her cherubic Nature children speak of a timeless innocence. A joy for children and an inspiration for adults.'
-- Juno magazine