Story of the Wind Children, The

This picture book was originally published in German in 1910. Von Olfers’ illustrations, originally chromolithographically reproduced, are here printed in the modern way giving an odd amalgam of old and new graphic processes. The artist has been likened to our own fragrant Kate Greenaway, but von Olfers’ figure work does not compare favourably. This is nevertheless a charming period piece that tells of a little boy trying to sail his boats in the pond on a windless day. Willow, the wind sprite, jumps down from her tree to save the day and the two go on to play together through pages of dandelion clocks, apple orchards, cloud horses and other innocent joys of a bygone age. The curious rosehip children are a particular delight. An attractive facsimile production.