Sibylle von Olfers facts for kids
Sibylle von Olfers (born May 8, 1881 – died January 29, 1916) was a German art teacher and a nun. She was also a talented writer and artist. Sibylle created many wonderful books for children. Her most famous book is The Root Children. It was first published in 1906. The original German title was Etwas von den Wurzelkindern.
Sibylle's Life Story
Her Early Years
Sibylle von Olfers was born on May 8, 1881. Her full name was Maria Regina Angela Hedwig Sibylla von Olfers. She was born at Metgethen Castle, near Königsberg, Germany. This castle was a large family home.
Sibylle was the third of five children. Her father, Ernst Friedrich Franz Gustav Werner Marie von Olfers, was a health expert. He was also a natural scientist and a writer. Sibylle's aunt, Marie von Olfers, was a big artistic influence on her.
Growing Up
Sibylle had a happy childhood. She and her siblings were taught at home by tutors. Her parents had a loving relationship with all their children. Sibylle was a smart and gentle girl. She showed a love for art very early on.
Her grandmother wrote that Sibylle had a sweet face. But she was also called a "wild bumblebee." This was because she had so many fantastic ideas. She loved to play imaginative games. Her grandmother also said that Sibylle was very talented. She was prettier than ever. In her early years, Sibylle sometimes preferred to dream during lessons.
Sibylle was very close to her younger sister. She wrote and drew picture-books just for her. These books brought much joy to their whole family.
Her Faith and Art
Even as a child, Sibylle showed a quiet religious side. She would pray in front of small altars she made. These altars were often surrounded by many candles. She also made models of Madonnas. She drew pictures of saints for her sister.
Sibylle's Books
Many of Sibylle von Olfers' books have been translated into English. Here are some of them:
- The Story of the Root Children
- The Story of the Snow Children
- The Story of the Wind Children
- The Story of the Butterfly Children
- The Story of Little Billy Bluesocks
- The Princess in the Forest
