Children of the Forest: Mini Edition (Elsa Beskow Mini series)

"Never hurt the creatures of the forest, unless they mean you harm." I couldn't describe the workings of the natural world better to my son than this statement and this book. Nature is not always kind, not always pretty. But the cycles of life mean that one creature eats another, and thus we all take energy so that we may live. I'd rather introduce my son to the ways creatures try to defend themselves and cling to life, and then someday he will learn that sometimes, animals give their lives so that we may eat and live. And if he is ever in a life-threatening situation someday, I want him to be able to defend himself with strength, not cowering in fear as he worries about hurting someone or something else who means him harm. There are so many beautiful lessons in this book, about the seasons of life and taking care of ourselves. The little boys even learn in a very visceral way to be kind to the creatures who will not harm us - when they are stung by the ants they have disturbed. This is going to be a wonderful story, one that we will read and enjoy over and over throughout the years. It represents the fantasy childhood world I want my son to encounter, and is a beautiful reminder of the magical life.

Love the story and illustrations.

I just love children's books. Being an artist and teacher I incorporated reading into my lessons. When you can imagine how children love illustrations the reading done by a teacher/ storyteller it makes all the difference.

Very fun fairy story. Perfect if you want your kids to enjoy playing outside and encourage their imagination. Fun for boys too! Not all princesses. This book tells the adventures of a very happy and hard-working tiny family Who lives hidden down in the forest floors with all of the squirrels, rabbits, critters, and fairies. The story sweetly promotes the value of listening, obedience, working together, being brave, and being kind. For kids that tend to be fearful, there is one page where the little children find a troll who "gives them a fright". He never harms them but it does show kind of a scary face peaking up over a rock and laughing at them as they scurry away. I think it is a beautiful little book, and the kind that is difficult to find. The artwork is so sweet. :-) My two-year-old son loves it and it would easily be fun for much older children too.

This is a mini edition. It’s not tiny, but still very small for a book with many words on every page. It’s not a suitable size for a read aloud to a group of children, but will be fine for your little ones who sit beside you or on your lap. Pictures have lots of beautiful detail. The story follows the simplicity of their lives in the forest. The story is sweet and wholesome, but lacking. It’s too simple and nothing “happens”. It just chronicles the seasons and their daily lives. Very nice, just wanting more.

Whimsical captivating book! My sons 1 and 4 both like the stories. This is definitely a book I’ll keep to give to their children.

The story line and illustrations are so endearing! Love this little classic!

The abridged versions of her books are beautiful & a great way to inspire an imagination. Older kids may enjoy the full versions... Even 100 years old these stories & illustrations are amazing... I'm much older now but these bring a flood of memories of sitting on Grandma's lap in her house in the woods.

Children of the Forest ends with the following lines :" A new year was beginning in the forest and this is where we must leave the children. But if you like, think about them and their forest friends, and that way, their story will never end." This is one of those children's books that appeals to children with lots of imagination. The illustrations are absolutely divine, and the mixture of reality and fantasy is fantastic and includes both little people, trolls, and fairies. There is nothing modern or unsettling about the Children of the Forest, indeed it can seem a bit 'old fashioned' at times, but isn't that great in this day and age? I also found that my children wanted to continue talking about the Children of the Forest and make up their continued stories for a long time after the book was finished. You can also extend the story by letting your fantasy run further by making mushroom hats like those the Children of the Forest wear from papier mache, and you will have lots of fun together as a family.

Nonostante il piccolo formato é un piccolo gioiello. Le illustrazioni sono carinissime.

I love children's books and especially ones which are beautifully illustrated. In my opinion I think Elsa Beskow is a much better illustrator than Beatrix Potter. I wish she were more well known. Really nice series of books which I'm hoping to share with my grandson.

My bad for not reading the item description carefully, and not realizing it was a mini version. Beautiful book, but it is rather small. Fine for small hands though! My 3 year old likes it.

Lovely story and illustrations.