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Was Marlienchen erlebte!
Poppy is gazing out of the window at the snow when suddenly she sees that the snowflakes are really Snow Children, dancing and whirling in the garden. Soon, they whisk her away to the Snow Queen's wintry kingdom.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1905
About the author
Sibylle von Olfers
41 books57 followersSibylle von Olfers (8 May 1881 – 29 January 1916) was a German art teacher and a nun who worked as an author and illustrator of children's books. In 1906 she published her best-known work, The Root Children (original title: Etwas von den Wurzelkindern, "Something about the children from the roots").
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 15, 2018
I enjoyed this little story. As a child, I would dream of having an adventure like this; going to the North Pole and having dinner with the Snow Queen. It all seemed fabulous. I have always loved Winter and snow.
This book is over 100 years old now, published in 1905. How cool we still have a story from that time. Anytime I read old books, I feel like it is a link to the past. Ideas truly can be immortal or at least very long lived.
In my story, this is Marilyn and the blurb for this entry calls her Poppy. The title in my collection calls it Marilyn and the Snow Children. I don’t know why the difference. Maybe the editor changed it for a reason.
I think the snow Children are interesting and fun. There is not a lot of details, but enough to bring me into the story.
The kids thought this was an ok story. They gave it 3 stars. I liked it a whole lot more.
This book is over 100 years old now, published in 1905. How cool we still have a story from that time. Anytime I read old books, I feel like it is a link to the past. Ideas truly can be immortal or at least very long lived.
In my story, this is Marilyn and the blurb for this entry calls her Poppy. The title in my collection calls it Marilyn and the Snow Children. I don’t know why the difference. Maybe the editor changed it for a reason.
I think the snow Children are interesting and fun. There is not a lot of details, but enough to bring me into the story.
The kids thought this was an ok story. They gave it 3 stars. I liked it a whole lot more.
January 9, 2021
A beautiful picture book, perfect and magical escapism to the simplicity of another era.
Poppy looks out of the window to see some snowflakes swirling down. The snowflakes are snow children who invite Poppy to come and meet the snow queen. Poppy goes on a sledge pulled by swirly-wind, whilst the snow children dance through the air around her. Poppy meets the snow queen and joins the princess for a birthday celebration. After dancing and games, a worn out Poppy is returned on a polar bear pulled sledge driven by a snowman and greeted by her mother.
This is a lovely, comforting story of a magical adventure with the safety of home and mother waiting nearby. The colours are beautiful, bare trees in winter blue and white landscapes with pale peach sunsets of winter skies and poppy in a red coat and hat. The end papers have a lovely repeat design of dancing snow children. A beautiful, favourite bedtime read.
Poppy looks out of the window to see some snowflakes swirling down. The snowflakes are snow children who invite Poppy to come and meet the snow queen. Poppy goes on a sledge pulled by swirly-wind, whilst the snow children dance through the air around her. Poppy meets the snow queen and joins the princess for a birthday celebration. After dancing and games, a worn out Poppy is returned on a polar bear pulled sledge driven by a snowman and greeted by her mother.
This is a lovely, comforting story of a magical adventure with the safety of home and mother waiting nearby. The colours are beautiful, bare trees in winter blue and white landscapes with pale peach sunsets of winter skies and poppy in a red coat and hat. The end papers have a lovely repeat design of dancing snow children. A beautiful, favourite bedtime read.
October 20, 2018
Originally published in 1905, as Was Marilenchen erlebte (literally, "What Little Marilyn Experienced"), this was the first book that beloved German children's author Sibylle von Olfers - whose most well-known title is probably
Etwas von den Wurzelkindern
("Something About/The Story of the Root Children") - ever published. It follows the story of Poppy (in this English translation), who is transported by the diminutive Snow Children, and by the Swirly Wind, to the palace of the Snow Queen, where she attends a birthday party for the Snow Princess.
This is my second story from von Olfers, who seems, in her picture-books, to have envisioned nature as a benevolent anthropomorphic force, with cute, cherub-like servants. In The Story of the Root-Children, kindly Mother Nature had her toddler-like Root Children, whereas here, the beautiful Snow Queen has her Snow Children, who sometimes appear as snowflakes, and sometime as tiny babies. Although I prefer the sharp, painful beauty of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen, in which Winter is seen as an unpredictable, and frequently dangerous power, von Olfers' tale presents a fascinating "answer" to this earlier vision. Here, all is gentleness and light. Which doesn't make for a particularly gripping tale, but could (I imagine) be quite reassuring for the youngest children.
The illustrations, which I have seen compared to the work of such artists as Elsa Beskow and Walter Crane, are delightful! I wasn't sure, with von Olfers' book about the root children, that I really liked her style. But The Story of the Snow Children, with its lovely use of contrast - between the red Poppy, and her pale friends - has convinced me! I definitely want to track down more of this author/artist's work!
This is my second story from von Olfers, who seems, in her picture-books, to have envisioned nature as a benevolent anthropomorphic force, with cute, cherub-like servants. In The Story of the Root-Children, kindly Mother Nature had her toddler-like Root Children, whereas here, the beautiful Snow Queen has her Snow Children, who sometimes appear as snowflakes, and sometime as tiny babies. Although I prefer the sharp, painful beauty of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen, in which Winter is seen as an unpredictable, and frequently dangerous power, von Olfers' tale presents a fascinating "answer" to this earlier vision. Here, all is gentleness and light. Which doesn't make for a particularly gripping tale, but could (I imagine) be quite reassuring for the youngest children.
The illustrations, which I have seen compared to the work of such artists as Elsa Beskow and Walter Crane, are delightful! I wasn't sure, with von Olfers' book about the root children, that I really liked her style. But The Story of the Snow Children, with its lovely use of contrast - between the red Poppy, and her pale friends - has convinced me! I definitely want to track down more of this author/artist's work!
February 4, 2015
A lovely winter tale of magic and friendship short enough for a quick bedtime read and magical enough to use as a base for imagination and creativity. This is a favorite when we are steering clear of Disney princesses, but need a dose of royalty in our lives.
December 14, 2010
Poppy is looking out her window when personified snowflakes come dancing down & ask her to come with them to the Snow Queen's palace, where they are having a birthday party for the princess. Summarizing the story, it sounds great, but reading it was not nearly as exciting as the idea. Maybe it's more about what fantasies are sparked than the actual story? I could see it inspiring some exciting fairy tale winter play, both indoors and outdoors, so definitely some merit there. I was also not a fan of the artwork, and even though I liked the snowdrop flowers flanking each illustration, I thought they were out of place in a midwinter book. And maybe that would inspire me to make my own Snow Children art.
December 7, 2025
I would have loved this as a child, the story of a little girl who follows the snow babies to a castle where she parties with a princess till she's worn out. Then she is taken home in a sleigh driven by polar bears. I doubt this book could be published in our era because it's about a child following strangers while her mother's away but the illustrations are lovely and there's a timeless sense of transport to a magical other world.
December 20, 2010
The story was lacking, but the illustrations made my day. It's the Root Children lady! I could look at the pictures over and over again and savor the warmth they bring me; the text was a useless addition.
April 8, 2013
I think my mom read this to me when I was really little. Sweet little book. The pictures are old fashioned and charming, the story is just okay, but I'm giving it one more star than I ought just for timelessness. The author died in 1915 and it is still being published 100 years later!
December 12, 2023
In this classic fairytale with original illustrations from the author, we explore the kingdom of snow. Poppy looks out her window to see dozens of snow children dancing through the air as falling snow. They invite her to visit the snow kingdom and meet the Snow Queen and her little Princess. Poppy plays all day with Princess. They have a birthday tea, visit the frozen flower garden, and dance with the other snow children. The Princess begs Poppy to stay forever, but the wise Snow Queen knows that Poppy must return home to the world of humans. A sleigh drawn by snow bears takes her home where she tells all her adventures to her mother.
I love the simple charm of this story! There is something so old-fashioned and enchanting about the story. There are no villains or terrible adventures, but it captures your interest from the very first page. Such a peaceful story, perfect for bedtime on a wintery night.
The illustrations are so beautiful and delicate. I love the art nouveau style and the pretty designs for the snow kingdom!
There is a short biography of the author/illustrator at the back of the book, along with a list of her other fairytales. So lovely! Now I want to read them all!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I love the simple charm of this story! There is something so old-fashioned and enchanting about the story. There are no villains or terrible adventures, but it captures your interest from the very first page. Such a peaceful story, perfect for bedtime on a wintery night.
The illustrations are so beautiful and delicate. I love the art nouveau style and the pretty designs for the snow kingdom!
There is a short biography of the author/illustrator at the back of the book, along with a list of her other fairytales. So lovely! Now I want to read them all!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
January 16, 2025
I picked this up thinking it was an Elsa Beskow title, and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't but it still maintained the same feel. My children adored this cute little winter tale.
July 23, 2025
I can't stop looking at these pictures. They each tell such a story. This small, originative book transported me to a lovely, complete world with 'snowflakes' that are children and off in a corner will do childish, little things very sweetly - and there are snowmen who work in a castle. I'm about to make a new category of books here on goodreads, something that will encapsulate something more than "children's literature" does. Maybe: "AAE Lit" -- All Ages Eternal?
7.23.25 Just re-read this and had a somewhat different impression. Interesting how that can happen over time. The snowmen seem a bit creepy to me this time; and I see classism that bothers me. I still like some of the sweet, evocative illustrations and the imaginative thread of the story. But other parts also now seem bothersome - like that the little girl is "danced off her feet."
7.23.25 Just re-read this and had a somewhat different impression. Interesting how that can happen over time. The snowmen seem a bit creepy to me this time; and I see classism that bothers me. I still like some of the sweet, evocative illustrations and the imaginative thread of the story. But other parts also now seem bothersome - like that the little girl is "danced off her feet."
December 21, 2010
The only reason why I liked this was because of the illustrations. Other than that the book was kinda like reading a book with pointless value to it. It was like about how this kid goes to the snow queen and she's making this all up, and then says "Maybe YOU'll be able to visit the snow queen some day." There is no point to this. Books that have a point usually have a moral or lesson to the story. This is just about the wondrous snow kingdom, but the pictures are cute.
February 19, 2015
I really loved the illustrations about this book. And when I first read it, I thought that there was NO way we could get into a deep conversation about it because it seemed too simple. I just didn't know where we would be taking it. But that just goes to show how awesome my Master's is, we ended up talking a lot about this book. And I loved it even more than I did initially.
November 14, 2012
The story is nice, but I wonder what i would be like in the Original German (I speak a little German) I wonder if the translation is close. Anyways, the story is simple and lovely and I think that is what Sibylle Von Olfers was trying to convey!
January 30, 2010
This would be a cute story to read during the winter, or if it snows.
December 17, 2010
Charming, 1905 winter story by Sibylle von Olfers.
December 23, 2011
This was the other half of my birthday present!
January 21, 2012
Emma has requested this book every night since we picked it up. I have tracked down some of her other books at the library, but I think these would be lovely to own.
November 17, 2017
Beautiful old fashioned story and pictures.
March 31, 2018
Von Olfers first book, published in 1905. Charming, dreamy winter illustrations.
July 18, 2023
En esta libro infantil de imágenes por capítulos, acompañamos a una niña de nombre Poppy en su encuentro con unos niños vestidos en ropajes blancos. Ellos la conducirán a través de unos prados cubiertos de nieve hacia un castillo, propiedad de la Reina de Hielo, para asistir al cumpleaños de la pequeña princesa.
En ilustraciones inmersivas que logran transmitir muy bien los elementos estacionales que caracterizan tanto a esta historia, junto con un texto que es enriquecedor en su presentación, logrando engrandecer el ya destacado apartado artístico; se nos narra un instante de curiosidad y maravillas tan propios de la niñez.
Debido a la naturaleza de los instantes, el tiempo que se nos da para acompañar a la protagonista en su viaje es ínfimo, dando la sensación de no haber llegado a conocerla en absoluto durante el pasar de las páginas, debido al enfoque en mostrar las costumbres de quienes va conociendo en el camino.
De cualquier forma, su pequeño mensaje entre medio y la forma tan envolvente de contar todo, me hicieron pasarlo harto por alto.
Mis agradecimientos a Edelweiss+ y a la editorial Floris Books, por darme la oportunidad de acceder al DRC de este libro
En ilustraciones inmersivas que logran transmitir muy bien los elementos estacionales que caracterizan tanto a esta historia, junto con un texto que es enriquecedor en su presentación, logrando engrandecer el ya destacado apartado artístico; se nos narra un instante de curiosidad y maravillas tan propios de la niñez.
Debido a la naturaleza de los instantes, el tiempo que se nos da para acompañar a la protagonista en su viaje es ínfimo, dando la sensación de no haber llegado a conocerla en absoluto durante el pasar de las páginas, debido al enfoque en mostrar las costumbres de quienes va conociendo en el camino.
De cualquier forma, su pequeño mensaje entre medio y la forma tan envolvente de contar todo, me hicieron pasarlo harto por alto.
Mis agradecimientos a Edelweiss+ y a la editorial Floris Books, por darme la oportunidad de acceder al DRC de este libro
August 25, 2023
This gentle read always seems to promise something from a dark folkloric Grimm-type tale, and pulls back from delivering it at every opportunity. The girl is home alone when some snow children tempt her out into the cold of the winter evening. They tote her off to their palace, and thrust her in front of royalty. But the party there is just a party – she doesn't get turned into an ice sculpture, the night's trip doesn't last seven years, and when she has had enough dancing it's just 'alright, time for you to leave, then' and not a madcap reel until she bleeds. Published by the creator way back when she was in her mid-twenties, it might feel a little twee and simplistic now, but obviously those are virtues for many a book-buyer, and they will enjoy the positivity and pleasure the story conveys, without worrying where the darkness is lurking. It's a fine seasonal choice.
Read
January 9, 2025Sibylle von Olfers invites a comparison with Elsa Beskow, that other wonderful Northern European writer and illustrator of children’s books because von Olfers too captures the beauty and childlike wonder of the natural world, populating it with wind sprites, snow queens, living snowmen and cloud horses.
The Story of the Snow Children is a delightful art nouveau story of Poppy and her magical journey to the realm of the Snow Queen and the cute Snow Princess. The icy blues and whites contrast lovelily with Poppy’s red coat; the snow children cavort and frolic on every page.
This is a delightful wintry story and one that captures the playfulness and delight of the season.
The Story of the Snow Children is a delightful art nouveau story of Poppy and her magical journey to the realm of the Snow Queen and the cute Snow Princess. The icy blues and whites contrast lovelily with Poppy’s red coat; the snow children cavort and frolic on every page.
This is a delightful wintry story and one that captures the playfulness and delight of the season.
October 6, 2025
A little girl makes a jaunt to a winter fairyland. This is low on plot and all about atmosphere, with diaphanous, pale illustrations contrasted by the vibrant punch of the protagonist's red; no stakes, just vibes, nature benevolently anthropomorphized. It's a distinctive style, and I'd be interested to read more by the author.
Weird not to credit the translator, though!
Weird not to credit the translator, though!
May 7, 2019
A simple winter fairy tale, with lovely drawings. I’d thought this might be the counterpart to The Root Children, but it’s a simpler tale with simpler drawings (ice and snow, after all). A beautiful book.
January 2, 2024
Beautiful illustrations. Imaginative story. The more I see from this author/illustrator the more of a fan I become. This was a story about the snow and a snow princesses birthday celebration of wonder. Delightful!
February 10, 2018
Wolna interpretacja na temat Królowej Śniegu - mała dziewczynka wychodzi z domu wprost w świat tajemniczej śnieżnej krainy, gdzie spotyka Królową Zimy i jej córkę, otoczoną zastępem bałwanków.
August 5, 2019
Another sweet, classic storybook.
October 23, 2019
Sweet little story
January 25, 2020
Sweet illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews