Books published by publisher Bell Pond Brooks

“The playful artistry of the Waldorf Alphabet Book speaks to the heart of childhood. These lively illustrations, so filled with color, movement, eloquent gesture, and invention conjure up long-forgotten memories of books from a time when pictures were still alive and spoke with power. Each page is a magical door, opening to the bright realm where stories are enacted, a realm of wonders accessible to children, artists, and ll those in whom the light of imagination shines. “The most important thing as you peruse the delightful pages of the Waldorf Alphabet Book with your child is the engaging conversation that flows between you as you search among the pictures for words.” (from the afterword)In this delightful, best-selling alphabet and game book for young children, each consonant and vowel comes to life in vivid pictures that show each letter’s unique qualities in the world. The vibrant and playful illustrations help children learn the alphabet in the most natural and living way. This new expanded paperback edition includes a complete essay by master Waldorf teacher William Ward, “Learning to Read and Write in Waldorf Schools”: This is the alphabet book for parents and teachers who want to encourage the most natural development in children. It is ideal for both at home and in the classroom. It also makes an ideal gift for your favorite young child or parents!

Words are disappearing from the world. Something is lurking in the deepest waters, devouring all the words that are no longer used. No one has noticed, but the world is slowly growing darker. For many years no children have come to the Enchanted Islands in search of Wisdom, and the Wise Enchanter is growing old. Four children from the corners of the earth have been sent on a quest to rediscover each letter, unlock the treasure of language, and thereby grow wise. Time is running out; if the children do not reach the castle of the Wise Enchanter in time, Wisdom and light may vanish from the world altogether.

This classic German children's tale of imaginative fantasy and adventure tells the story of how Peter and Anneli help Mr. Zoomzeman, a June Bug, bring his leg back from the Moon. Long ago, a thief―stealing wood in the forest―had accidentally cut off Mr. Zoomzeman's great-great grandfather's leg and was banished to the Moon. Unfortunately, he took the leg with him and, since then, the family of the Zoomzemans have all had only five legs. Only "two good children" can get the leg back, so Mr. Zoomzeman, in search of goodness, finds Peter and Anneli. The three set off together on an astonishing journey filled with marvelous encounters, fantastic beings, and exciting events. Finally, reaching the Moon, they must challenge the ferocious Moon Man and, with the help of the Nature Forces, they restore the missing leg to Mr. Zoomzeman.

Mr. Goethe’s Garden tells the story of a unique friendship between an inquisitive young girl, Irena, and her neighbor―the elderly, world-famous playwright, artist and natural scientist, Johann von Goethe. Irena visits Mr. Goethe in his well-tended garden where he teaches her to draw and to observe the world of nature in a special way. Set in the 1830s, this book was inspired by Goethe’s life and his botanical treatise The Metamorphosis of the Plant. Exquisitely sensitive illustrations and elegant text reveal the intricate wonders of the plant kingdom. As the bonds of friendship deepen between Irena and her wise neighbor, she experiences a new way of seeing the natural cycle of the plant―from seed to flower to fruit and to seed again. “Like friends, plants tell you their secrets only when they know you care. Just practice listening with your eyes, and one day when you least expect it, you will see with your heart and be swept up into nature’s dance.” An informative afterword describes the life of Goethe and his many accomplishments. (Ages 6–9) Click on the links below to view images from Mr. Goethe's Garden!

A picture book for all ages from painter Thomas Locker! “Most of all, he thanked the wilderness for teaching him to see in a new way.” In Blue Mountains is about the love of nature and the importance of beauty. It tells the story of an artist who sets out to explore wilderness and discovers a new way of seeing. Bewildered at first by the profusion of nature―There are so many leaves, he could never paint them all!―gradually, he learns to see its wholeness and to trust his feelings. As he does so, he embarks on an adventure of learning: about light and shadow, the way color changes through the day, and how looking at nature leads to a new understanding of himself and the world. This illuminated story is set in America’s first wilderness, the Kaaterskill Clove in Upstate New York, made famous by the Hudson River School of painters―many of whose pictures are reflected in this book. Thomas Locker’s In Blue Mountains is a personal, deeply moving testament to the power of beauty and art to nurture our children’s natural love of the world. Indeed, it can inspire childlike wonder in people of all ages. In Blue Mountains is a wonder-filled book that makes a great gift for both children and adults. It contains 13 full-page, color reproductions of the artist’s evocative paintings of Kaaterskill Clove and the beautiful, blue Catskill Mountains.

“Early one spring morning, a little seed woke up after her long winter sleep. She yawned and stretched. With a loud CRACK her hard brown jacket fell away. 'Oh!' said the surprised seed. The earth above felt warm.” ... this was just the beginning of big changes to come. The colorful illustrations in this book are made by the author from dyed wool fibers, felted together to create a solid piece of “fabric.” She employed a technique known as “dry,” or “needle,” felting, which requires a small hand tool called a felting needle with barbs along the shaft to catch the fibers as it pierces the surface of the wool and binds them together. Jan describes the experience as “painting with a needle.” (Ages 3–5).

This radiant picture book was written for Julianna Margulies―the film actor and former star of the hit television series “ER”―when she was six years old. Her father, Paul Margulies, captures the pure openness of a child’s imagination. These reflections on what a small girl sees around her remind us all, young and old, that life’s riches can come to us through our loving attention to the simple and "ordinary." The vibrant images by Famke Zonneveld (the illustrator of Living Alphabet) bring this book to life. Click on the links below to see sample pages!

The coming of Winter plays an important role in the cycle of nature. In this delightfully illustrated story, young children can find that for “every thing there is a season.” Winter, Awake! tells what happens one year when Winter will not wake. The tired trees need to rest. Their fallen leaves have made a leafy blanket for the sleeping seeds. All the woodland creatures try to tell Winter their work is done. They scold and mock and urge, but Winter will not wake, until, at last, the round red ladybug in her small, soft voice whispers something gently in his ear―and mighty Winter wakes! (Ages 5–7 years)

The Last Night of Ramadan is for children and their families who wish to understand and learn about Islam and the Muslim culture through Islamic celebrations throughout the year. This book focuses on the Holy Month of Ramadan and the traditions associated with it. The story of the Last Night of Ramadan entertains as it unveils the significance of Ramadan and Eid El Fitr and the traditions associated with them. Children’s imaginative powers can be further enriched when the events unfold through the beautiful medium of a puppet show – something parents can enjoy creating with their children and teachers can create for a primary school context. It is especially important today for both Muslims and non-Muslims to develop a factual understanding of Islam―knowledge devoid of misconceptions―and to understand the reasons behind Islam’s broad appeal. Written primarily for non-Muslim children and their families, the Enjoy Islam series is also an excellent means of reinforcing what Muslim children may already know about their faith. As children read The Last Night of Ramadan, will sense traditions and moral values that Islam shares with other religions, such as the importance of the family, respect toward older family members, and the special place afforded to mothers. The illustrations in this unique book for children brings to life this important time of the yearly cycle for Muslims around the world.

Here is the classic Grimm’s tale of a run-away donkey, a down-and-out dog, a cast-off cat, and a rooster ... about to be cooked. They set off together to Bremen to become the town musicians. This story, with its singularly satisfying happy ending, is made especially delightful by the enchanting illustrations of Hsin-Shih Lai and the inventive design of Howard Besserman. It will bring a smile to young and old alike. (Ages 4-7)