Under the ground, deep in the earth among the roots of the trees, the little root children were fast asleep all winter long. . ." When spring comes, it's time for the root children -- snowdrop, forget-me-not, buttercup, daisy and poppy -- to wake up! There are new dresses to sew, and insects to be painted. When summer comes, the root children are free to play in the beautiful fields, ponds and meadows. But when autumn comes and the cold wind starts to blow, it's time to go back to their cosy home below ground. Sibylle von Olfers' classic story has been loved by generations of children.