Discovering Waldorf
The Magic Of Waldorf Storybooks
by: Joey van Oort
We do not have a Waldorf School close by to enroll our children, however, we have chosen to live a Waldorf lifestyle at home.
When my children were born my mother in law introduced us to a few of the Waldorf story books that my husband read as a child and that she used in her classroom.
My first impression of these books was how gentle they seemed. The illustrations were soft and muted. The stories were about magical creatures, fairies, elves, gnomes and woodland creatures. I felt as though I was in the story with the tiny characters and that I had slipped into a magical world full of kindness and joy. Over the years I have searched out the best Waldorf story books and am happy to share some of the titles with you today!
I have made it my thing to give these books to our friends for their birthdays and they are always treasured heirloom gifts. My kids get one for each birthday too.
Here’s a graphic for you to pin so that you can keep this list forever. And share it with your Waldorf friends too.
Click on each book to purchase it through my affiliate at a great price.
Elsa Beskow
Astrid Lindgren:
Sibylle von Olfers:
Reg Down:
Brenda Tyler:
I found it very hard to only select a few titles by each of these wonderful authors; please search for their other stories as they all share the same magic! There are many more Waldorf story writers that I didn’t have the space to include but do ask around, I’m sure that there are many that we have not discovered yet as well!
You can find all of these books online but I also encourage you to check out your local bookstores, used book stores, yard sales, your public and school libraries for some of these titles, you never know what kind of magic you may find!
Happy reading!
~ joey ~
Joey writes the wonderful blog Made by Joey … please check it out as it is a treasure trove of wonderful ideas.
For more information on Waldorf Education, please visit the Discovering Waldorf Page.
If you would like to see an article on a specific Waldorf topic (or would like to write one for me), please contact me with your ideas and thoughts.
Blessings and magic,
Donni
17 Responses
I initially became interested in Waldorf through books such as these! It seemed that I kept finding articles and suggestions for books that were ‘Waldorfy’, and finding that they were books we already owned, such as Reg Down, Elsa Beskow and Sybille von Olfers … such beautiful books. They are truly the stuff of children’s dreams, and flights of fancy.
I think I would add the books of Barbara Helen Berger to the list, although the author of the article does mention that it was so hard to limit the list to just a couple! But Grandfather Twilight and When the Sun Rose, by Berger, are so lovely. They are perennial favorites in our home!
Hi Becky,
I can’t believe I haven’t come across the books you suggested… I’m so excited to find new favorites!!! Yay… thanks for sharing :-)
Love Donni
I have not heard of this author either so I’m so glad that you mentioned her! Our library does not have the 2 titles that you mentioned but I have put 4 of her other books on hold. I can’t wait to read them, thanks so much for your suggestion!
xoxo
~ joey ~
Oh, I do hope you both enjoy them! Grandfather Twilight in particular is just so, so beautiful; it is our favorite bedtime book :-)
thank you so much for this post! I am always looking Waldorf books and crafts to share with my little, and this list looks wonderful! You’re right, they do seem so gentle. Perfect for childhood.
Thank you so much for this list. we have read some of them … but as you know, there are so wonderful that you are always looking for more :-)
We are like that too, Franziska… always on the lookout for more beautiful books like these.
To whom it may concern;
I hope this email finds you well, i am looking for Waldorf inspire book for my soon newborn baby. I want the books to be in Spanish, but I am having a hard time finding them in the US, any suggestion?
Many thanks in advance,
Greetings,
Gabriela Hydle
Hi Gabriela,
I’ll post your question on my Facebook page on Monday ( https://www.facebook.com/MagicOnions ), hopefully someone will have just the right answer for you,
xo Donni
Hi, can you tell me please any Waldorf books in Spanish. My 3 old son and I will be happy. Thanks in advance
Thank you so much! What a great list. We are just now discovering Waldorf Education so I was looking for a book list. Thanks!
Oh Lee… lucky you if you still have these beautiful books to discover. They are gems :)
xo Donni
Hey donni! So nice to find so many of your great blog posts on Pinterest! I am learning so much from you. Hope you and your family are well :)
– dano
Hi Dano,
Ha ha… it tickles me when someone I know finds my website online :) fun! So glad you are enjoying it. xox Donni
Another book deserving to be on the list: Kiss the Cow
Thanks, Sharon. I don’t know that book and will certainly look it up. So exciting to find another favorite :)
xo Donni
Perhaps “Seasons of Joy: Everyday is for Outdoor Play,” written and illustrated by myself. It was truly inspired by my son’s Waldorf early childhood experiences. Thank you to Donni for writing a glowing back cover recommendation for Seasons of Joy!