Books published by publisher Floris Books

A retelling of Greek mythology and ancient history as recommended for Steiner-Waldorf curriculum Class 5-6 (age 10-12). This welcome new addition to Charles Kovacs' work contains legendary stories of mythical heroes and historic figures from the dawn of western civilization. Through the fearless deeds of Heracles, Theseus and Odysseus to the Golden Age of Athens and the conquests of Alexander the Great, the narrative vividly portrays the journey from the mysteries of antiquity to the birth of modern medicine, science and philosophy.

This classic early reading book for Steiner-Waldorf schools is now available again in a newly edited edition. The stories and poems range in style and content from the fairy-tale elements of Class 1 (age 6-7) to the legends and animal fables introduced in Class 2 (age 7-8). Rhythmical repetition of words, sounds and phrases is used throughout the book but especially widely in the tales for younger children. It includes The Prince Who Kept Pigs, The Tree of Three Cries, The Giant and the Child, The Fork-Tail and the Rams, and The Monkey and the Pea.

Astronomy, especially naked-eye astronomy, is a wonderful way for children and young people to engage with the world and universe around them. Many children quickly become fascinated with stars, planets and comets, learning skills that also help them develop generally. This book is a perfect introduction to astronomy for any child, whether or not they have a telescope. It explains the visible constellations and then explores the sun, moon, planets, comets and meteorites. Color illustrations and diagrams at every stage help children relate what they are reading to what they can see in the sky. Suitable for budding astronomers in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and in polar, temperate or tropical latitudes (i.e., everywhere), this is an ideal introduction the wonders of stargazing.

Far far away, the butterfly folk live in a kingdom of beautiful gardens. The butterfly children play, dance and sing all day long with their little brothers and sisters, the caterpillars. The children can't wait until the first day of spring, when they will finally get their wings. But first, they must learn about the many brightly colored flowers in the kingdom, so they can take part in the flying procession of peacock, swallowtail, red admiral and many other butterflies. Beautifully illustrated in the art nouveau style, this is another classic children's story from the author of The Story of the Root Children and The Story of the Wind Children. When the hunter's children fall out of their cradle in the woods, a kind mother rabbit takes them home and cares for them. She makes them rabbit suits to keep them warm and they play happily with her rabbit children.

"When we paint with colors we should paint in such a way that we are conscious that we are calling forth life from what is dead."Rudolf Steiner A vital factor in a child's development is the stimulation of active imagination and creativity. Here are ideas for encouraging self-expression through watercolor painting. Essentially practical, this book is based on Goethe's color theory and shows that painting with children is more than just a form of self-expression. Müller encourages and attempts to understand children's fantasies through their artwork. This guide for parents and teachers to painting with watercolors covers preparation, color-stories and poems, painting moods of nature and the seasons of the year.

Peter and Lotta need to find homes for some kittens. Washerwoman Wendy is always grumpy with them, but they hope that a gift will cheer her up -- and it does! That's just the start of a day of unexpected adventures for two of Elsa Beskow's most loved characters, as they find themselves asleep on a cart, at a mill miles from home and at a fair, disguised as an old man and woman.

Spend a day with the Princess and her friends in the forest. Dew children help to get her dressed, and comb her golden hair. Little moss children bring her a delicious forest breakfast, then she practises her writing with Mrs Crow, her teacher. Next its playtime! The Princess plays with her animal friends, the deer, hares, squirrels and birds, before telling stories to the mushroom and toadstool children. Finally, the star children light her way to bed. This is a beautiful story in Sibylle von Olfers' classic decorative style, sure to enchant younger readers.

Jessie is learning to be polite. When she says “thank you,” it sounds a bit like “DA HOO.” When she says “please,”' it sounds exactly like “PEAS.” During one particular teatime, Jessie and her older brother Ben are left with a new babysitter. When asked what she would like to drink, Jessie replies, “Orange juice peas,” and that's exactly what she gets! Followed by milk peas, water peas...and on it goes. Each time, Jessie fishes the peas out of her drink and cheeky Ben giggles...and the pile of peas on the table grows bigger and bigger. Orange Juice Peas is a hilarious story for young children, with a great sense of repetition. Lizzie Well's bright, expressive illustrations perfectly capture the humor and Jessie's increasing frustration at being misunderstood. (Ages 3-6)

Lily the little princess loves to dance with her animal friends in the summer. But when winter comes her playmates all go to sleep, or fly away to warmer places. In spring, Lily sets off through the forest in search of someone like her, someone who also wants to play in the winter. Lily is helped on her way by an old tree, a badger and a hedgehog, until she happily discovers her perfect companion. This enchanting, simple tale and its beautiful illustrations lead into a world among the flowers that will capture any child's imagination.

Once upon a time a wonderful rainbow shone brightly over the Kingdom of Beautiful Colours, telling the King and his children that all was well. The yellow cornfields were full of grain to feed the people, the lush green meadows nourished the animals and the blue forests were abundant with lumber to build fires and homes. Before the King begins a long journey, he entrusts each of his children with part of the kingdom, each with its own rainbow, so that they will learn to rule the land with wisdom and care. While three of the siblings work hard for their parts of the kingdom and keep their rainbows bright, the youngest prince tires of his responsibilities quickly. When a cunning imp offers to do his work for him, the lazy prince foolishly trusts him. Will the young prince learn the value of hard work, and discover that short cuts have consequences, or will his rainbow be forever diminished? The Kingdom of Beautiful Colours is a heart-warming and inspiring picture book adaptation of the much-loved tale from master storyteller Isabel Wyatt, accompanied by soft, ethereal watercolor illustrations by Waldorf artist and teacher Sara Parrilli.