A Lifetime of Joy
A Collection of circle games, finger games, songs, verses, and plays for puppets and marionettes

Collected, created, adapted and translated by Bronja Zahlingen

Softbound

Damaged: Front cover and some pages folded forward. Otherwise in new condition.

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A Lifetime of Joy is a rare and wonderful tribute to Bronja Zahlingen's (1/8/1912 to 1/24/2000) life's work; in return, it is a gift from Bronja to all the children and adults whose lives it will touch and nurture. Just to look through it's pages is to feel the warmth, wisdom and love that every child in her kindergarten felt for so very many beautiful years.

Included in this volume are all the plays from her sparkling Plays for Puppets and Marionettes -- and much, much more. There are songs, wee stories for the seasons and other times, nature tales, circle games, verses. In addition, there is a touching account of Bronja's life and work, and articles for teachers and parents. The two articles, "On movement, gesture and Language in the Life of the Young Child" and "The Pedagogical Value of Marionette and Table Puppet Shows for the Small Child" are welcome additions to everyone's understanding. Even the photo on the cover speaks volumes about the wealth we can present to children through simple stories told with marionettes.

In short, this is a great book for anyone working with young children - a shining star over a child's garden.

When I Hear My Heart Wonder

A Waldorf Reader for Late Third Grade

Text by Arthur M Pittis

Illustrations by Ausa M Peacock

Hardbound

Damaged: Light scoring on front cover - otherwise new condition

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When I Hear My Heart Wonder picks up where As My Heart Awakes with even more fables and stories of saints. There is a joyous lilt to these stories, that lifts the heart as they are read in order. What a lovely thing for a child: by the end of the year, I believe these stories will entrust them with the feeling of not only having crossed the Jordan, but of having created a home for themselves in their hearts as well. Oh, and they will be learning to read very well, too.

Here's the opening verse:

When I here my heart wonder,
The song in my soul sings
And wakes me if I slumber
To the joy of all good things

Carpentry for Children

Simple Step-by-Step Plans for Great Do-It-Yourself Project

Lester Walker

Preface by David Macaulay

Softbound

Damaged - crushed outside corners, otherwise new condition

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If ever there was a book embued with the power to transform lives, Lester Walker's Carpentry for Children is it. It is absolutely thorough in its task of introducing the world of hammer, saw and wood to children (and the adults who teach them), and is so infused with the joy Walker so clearly finds in this craft that in addition to being a consummate guide to introductory carpentry, it is also just plain good reading.

The instruction is designed for children ages 7 through 11 (or so) and the book is written to be read not only by adult teachers, but also by the older student-carpenters. Walker begins with guidance on buying tools that will be of the right size and weight for this age group then proceeds to discuss what materials to buy (and what to look for to make sure you are getting the quality you need). He also devotes an entire chapter to how to use each tool well and safely.

As is both necessary and practical, the first project involves creating a workshop, including building a workbench, toolbox and sawhorses! From there, the projects march out, beginning with a tugboat and including a puppet theater, painter's easel, stilts, a raft, and even a coaster car for fast trips to the bottom of your favorite hill.

Walker's contribution to putting handwork back into our lives is wonderful - we hope that more and more children can be gifted with the experiences he is sharing.

Encounters with Angels

Dan Lindholm

Hardbound

Out-of-print - 1 copy left - new

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This lovely little book, beautifully hardbound and just the right size to tuck into a purse or large pocket, contains one jewel after another. Dan Lindholm has collected more than two dozen personal accounts of the dreams, visions, and guiding hands of destiny that are the human being's Encounters with Angels.

In a Nutshell
Dialogues with Parents at Acorn Hill, A Waldorf Kindergarten

Nancy Foster

Softbound

Minor Damage: 1 copy with back cover bent at edges - otherwise in fine condition

Regular Price: $18.00

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What an absolutely wonderful book! Nancy Foster has not only given us great explanation of just about everything parents new to Waldorf education ever wonder about, but she has gone on to give some of the best parenting advice ever written down. In other words, she has poured over 30 years experience as a Waldorf kindergarten teacher into the most concise, readable and useful wee book every printed on the subject teaching and parenting young children. This is a genuinely must-have book for anyone working with or raising young children.

Table of Contents:

Our Classroom Environment

• Color in the Classroom
• Why Curtains?
• Teachers' Dress
• The Significance of Candles
• Naming the Teacher
• No Cars and Trucks?
• What about Puzzles?
• Musical Instruments in the Classroom

Work and Play at School

• The Rhythm of the Morning
• Saying "You may . . . "
• Ironing in the Classroom: Danger?
• Boys and Waldorf Education
• Playing Cats and Dogs
• Music in the Mood of the Fifth
• Can Energetic Boys Enjoy Handwork?
• Gun Play at School
• Field Trips?
• Fairy Tales for Young Children
• The Challenge of Circle Time
• Puppetry and "Told" Stories

Children at Home

• Colors for a Child's Bedroom
• Older and Younger Siblings
• Boredom
• Telephone
• Bedtime Ritual
• Feeding a Child
• Swords vs. Guns
• TV Away from Home
• Barbie
• Forbidden Words?
• Appropriate Gifts
• "What did you learn in school today?"
• Toys in the Neighborhood
• Helping Children in a Time of Trouble - A Few Thoughts
• Is the World a Good Place?

Nordic Hero Tales from the Kalevala

James Baldwin

Illustrated by N. C. Wyeth

Softbound

2 Copies with Minor Damage - crushed upper left corners - otherwise in fine condition

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One of the finest collections of stories from the Finnish epic, the Kalevala, Nordic Hero Tales is filled with heroes, rivals, maidens, gods and goddesses. Centered on the sampo, the magical artifact around which the epic revolves in much the same way as the Ring features in both Wagner's opera cycle and Tolkien's Lord of the Ring, these stories speak of the classic struggle of good against evil in ways that are still alive and meaningful today.

Highly recommended for ages 9 and older.

The Crisis of Western Philosophy
(Against the Positivists)

Vladimir Solovyov

Softbound

Discontinued - 1 copy left - new condition

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This book is the seminal work in which Solovyov developed his religious philosophy. In it, he undertakes a stunning critique of positivism, by which he understands the entire philosophy of Western rationalism, which he sees as setting up a conflict between reason and faith, and reason and nature. In the modern period, he finds abundant evidence for reason's war against nature in Western philosophy from Descartes to Hegel. "Positivism," the leading philosophy in his time, Solovyov also finds repugnant. In its place, he proposes his great theme of total unity--which was to become the dominant theme in Russian philosophy. This is the work that launched Russian religious philosophy and is a must for anyone interested in the subject. From the Esalen-Lindisfarne Library of Russian Philosophy.

Vladimir Solovyov (1853-1900), one of the greatest philosophers of the nineteenth century, was the founder of a tradition of Russian spirituality that brought together philosophy, mysticism, and theology with a powerful social message. A close friend of Dostoevsky, a Platonist, and a gnostic visionary, Solovyov was a prophet, having been granted three visions of Sophia, Divine Wisdom. He was also a poet and a profoundly Christian metaphysicist. His most important works include Lectures on Divine Humanity, The Justification of the Good, and War, Progress, and The End of History: Three Conversations.

The Mystery of Physical Life

E. L. Grant Watson

Preface by Owen Barfield

Foreword by Ralph Twentyman

Illustrated by C. F. Tunnicliffe

Softbound

Discontinued - new condition

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E. L. Grant Watson (1885-1970) was an English field naturalist, zoologist, writer, and psychotherapist who spent a lifetime trying to bring nature and consciousness - biology, psychology, and religion - into a unified, holistic vision that would establish meaning in the world without losing wonder.

Grant Watson was a keen and trained observer of the patterns and processes of plant and animal life in the wild. What he found in nature - he was one of England's best loved nature writers - led him to question both the Darwinian theory of evolution and the ordinary scientific epistemology that supported it.

Insights gained from a reading of Jung and a subsequent friendship and correspondence with him - as well as by a study of early Christian Gnostic literature and the anthroposophy of Rudolf Steiner - brought him to an imaginative perception of a spiritual reality present in all things, a universal mind eternally incarnate in the sense-perceptible world.

Long ignored by the academic establishment, Grant Watson's work deserves to be reconsidered in the light of the work of later scientists such as Rupert Sheldrake and Ilya Prigogine.

The Cosmologist's Second
The Riddle of Time in Theories of the Universe

Konrad Rudnicki

Softbound

Discontinued - new condition

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What does a modern cosmologist mean when he says, "The era of hadrons began 1/1000 of a second after the moment of singularity and lasted unitl 1/100 of a second"? (and, ???) What is the meaning of "The First Three Minutes"? What clock is being used? How long is this cosmologist's second?

In this concise account of modern cosmology, Rudnicki introduces the reader to the philosophical foundations of cosmological research and analyzes current astronomical concepts of time and space.

Gaia 2
Emergence
The New Science of Becoming

Contributions by G. Bocchi & M. Ceruti, W. Jackson, J. Lovelock, L. Margulis & R. Guerrero, S. Oyama, E. Thompson, J. Todd, N.J. Todd, F. Varela, A. Zajonc

Edited by William Irwin Thompson

Softbound

Discontinued - new condition

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This exciting volume brings together an international gathering of scientists and philosophers concerned with the fate of our planed. It hinges on the shift involved in considering Gaia no longer as simply an hypothesis, but as a theory of evolution.

Based on a conference held in Perugia, Italy, this thought-provoking collection of papers and symposia confirms Heisenberg's saying that "real science" is made in the conversations of scientists. Here we see what is perhaps the most important scientific idea of the 20th century taking shape before our eyes.

Gaiasophy
The Wisdom of the Living Earth

An Approach to Ecology Based on Ancient Myth, Spiritual Vision and Scientific Thinking

Kees Zoeteman

Softbound

Discontinued - in new condition

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Those interested in ecology have often sought a spiritual perspective for their concern for the earth's future. This book takes the first brave steps in that direction.

Based on a study of ancient myth and the spiritual traditions regarding the earth's origin, and on Rudolf Steiner's anthroposophy, the author argues that ecology needs to be supplemented by "gaiasophy," which he defines as "the knowledge and wisdom of the living earth." He argues that until we fully understand the spiritual, as well as the physical, anatomy of the earth, we shall not be in a position to address the various environmental and social questions posed by the ecological crisis.

Fundamental to this view is the idea that the earth is a mirror of humanity as human beings are a mirror of the earth. From this the author draws conviction that a deeper understanding of Gaia can only arise from a deeper understanding of ourselves.

The Whole Soy Story
the dark side of America's favorite health food

Kaayla T Daniel, PhD, CCN

Hardbound, dust jacketed

Regular Price: $29.95

Discontinued - new condition - just need more room.

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The Whole Soy Story is a groundbreaking expose that tells the truth about soy that scientists know but that the soy industry has tried to suppress.

• Soy is not a health food, does not prevent disease and has not even been proven safe.
• Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory studies link soy to malnutrition, digestive problems, thyroid dysfunction, cognitive decline, reproductive disorders, even heart disease and cancer.
• There is no culture that has ever existed where widespread consumption of unfermented soy beans or soy products has ever occurred. The small number of people who did eat such products did so because the effects on the endocrine system were noted -- the soy eaters were monks seeking help in sustaining their vows of chastity.
• Dairy cattle that are fed on grass and grains can live to nearly 30 years old; those fed on soy and corn die at between 7 and 9 years of age.

The list actually goes on (and on). This is a critical gathering of facts that we believe everyone should know. Change your diet, change your life.

Anyone in America who is interested in safe, healthy nutrition must come to terms with Dr. Kaayla T Daniel's The Whole Soy Story. This book is a gauntlet thrown at the feet of the soy industry, whose reputation often seems based as much on self-promotion as science. Well-written, authoritative and accissible to the lay person, this is science writing at its best.

- Larry Dossey, MD
Author of Healing Beyond the Body, Reinventing Medicine and Healing Words

The Boy Apprenticed to an Enchanter

Padraic Colum

Illustrated by Patrick Reinhart

Wonderful as a 6th Grade Reader - a beautiful read-to for earlier years

Softbound

Minor Damage - some copies arrived with slight crimping, scuffing, etc. from a rougher than usual trip from the publisher - otherwise in new condition

Regular Price: $10.95

Damaged Price: $8.95

Padraic Colum was one of the greatest English language storytellers ever to have lived. In general, his work was focused on retelling the classic tales of Western history, shaping them with vivid language and a lilting cadence such that you could almost hear his Irish voice ringing forth from the pages. Sometimes, however, he burst into a tale of his own (see, The King of Ireland's Son, for instance) and took us into new worlds with a feeling for both story and language that is rare and unique. I just love his work.

The Boy Apprenticed to an Enchanter is one of Colum's own creations - and it is a rich and masterful treasure. It languished in the hazy realms of out of print books for years and years, almost entirely forgotten save by a few whose tattered copies were still passed from hand to hand. Now, one of my favorite publishers, Whole Spirit Press, has brought it to life again. Hooray! It is a perfect 6th grade reader and a wonderful read-to for earlier years.

The story unfolds during the Middle Ages and is filled with mystery, intrigue and adventure. There are battles against evil in several forms, and a long journey to find the truth and Merlin the Magician (who knows all the answers). Revelation and adventure abound and include Eean arriving at the Tower of Babylon and meeting Chiron the Centaur and Hermes Trismegistus.

This is fabulous, wonderful reading that will fire the imaginations f children and adults. How lovely to see it in print again.

Buzzy and the River Rats
Book 1 - Buzzy Moves In

John Clarke Hoffman

Softbound

Minor crimp in lower right hand corner on front - otherwise in new condition.

Regular price: $12.95

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One morning in the summer of 1954 in the Catskill Mountain town of Delhi, NY, the Fancher family moved into a vacant house on Elm Street. Buzzy Fancher's arrival heralded the beginning of many adventures for the group of boys who rallied around him and called themselves the River Rats. Their adventures sometimes brought them face to face with the tough uptown Trucker gang, but most of all they experienced the excitement, friendships, mishaps and young romance of growing up in 1950's small-town America.

The subject matter is quite appropriate for children from about grades 3 through 6 or 7, depending in large part on the particular interests of the child. This is a great "first novel" for children reading fluidly at about 5th grade level or beyond. These stories are wholesome, interesting, and well-written; told by a teacher who lived them (or wished he had!). Highly recommended.

A Phenomena-Based Physics
Sound, Light, Heat

Volume 1 for Grade 6

Manfred von Mackensen

Softbound

Minor Damage on cover - some scuffing and scarring, otherwise in new condition

Regular Price: $8.00

Damaged Price: $6.00

Volume 1 for Grade 6 deals with the basic pedagogical and epistemological principles of acoustics, optics, heat, magnetism, and electricity. The text includes many examples of demonstration experiments for the main lesson.

On Reading and Writing
towards a phenomenology and pathology of literacy

Karl König

Softbound

A number of books arrived with a variety of minor damage: scuffing, bent corners, etc. - otherwise in good condition.

Regular Price: $34.95

Damaged Price: $32.95

I can't begin to describe how much I love this story and the fact that Shelley Davidow has so much insight and such an understanding of children that she created it. The Wise Enchanter actually makes me wish that I could go back to the time before I learned to read and enter the magic world of words through this rich and wonderful door. I especially love that the story is so very like the worlds I created for myself in those pre-written-word days, yet carries with it the assurance that there are depths of goodness in the world and that searching for them is a worthy, yea, necessary thing to do. What could be a better way to introduce our written language to a child? This book is a beautiful creation and a gift to treasure.

Here's a small sample, from the Prologue:

[The Wise Enchanter is on his magical island, and is troubled. He has called his daughter, Gadrun, to him.]

Gadrun ran to her father. A frown creased her brow. "Dear father," she said, "I see that you are worried."

"I am getting old," he replied. "Without Wisdom, there can be no new Enchanters after I am gone. No children have come to my island for many years. It is happening just as I feared. Wisdom is fading in the world. Words are disappearing. The brightness in the sky is vanishing and the dark Cloud of Ignorance has grown suddenly dense. A new darkness is looming. Someone is being created in the deep. He is growing stronger every minute. If he is not stopped, he will grow immense. If he grows strong enough, he will rise up and devour every word and sound. The earth will become a cold, silent place, too terrible to imagine."

"Who are you talking about?" Gadrun whispered.

"I do not like to utter his name," her father whispered. "But I will say it for you. His name is the Master of Ignorance and Shadows. His name is Urckl!"

Gadrun grew pale and silent at the mention of Urckl. Once, some time ago, Urckl had found enough strength to send one of his messengers to the end of the world. Something terrible had happened then in the Enchanted Islands and Gadrun's heart had been broken.

And thus, the adventure begins.

I should add that The Wise Enchanter is filled with soft black-and-white drawings that you can easily transform into main lesson drawings for the child(ren) you are teaching to recreate as each letter is rescued from darkness.

This is a wonderful, vibrant, masterful book -- may your journey through it be rich and rewarding!

An Overview of the Waldorf Kindergarten
Articles from the Waldorf Kindergarten Newsletter
1981-1992

Waldorf Kindergarten Association

Minor damage along spine

Regular Price: $19.95

Damaged Price: $16.95

An Overview gathers together articles that both explain and seek to share the Waldorf Kindergarten experience. In it you will find information ranging from snacks to music to working with young children with a variety of behavioral and learning difficulties. The breadth of the topics and the liveliness of the discussions makes it one of the most valuable resources for our work with young children. There is practically no aspect of daily life in a Waldorf Early Childhood class that is not addressed. An invaluable resource!

Native American Gardening
Stories, Projects and Recipes for Families

The practical activities from Keepers of Life

Michael J Caduto and Joseph Bruchac

Softbound

Replaced by Keepers of Life

Regular Price: $15.95

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For those who already have Native Plant Stories or whose preference is to get right to work in the soil and the kitchen, Native American Gardening presents the practical activities found in Keepers of Life.

I personally love the way this book unites Native garden traditions with modern approaches to composting and planting. It is possible to learn the full spectrum of the art of gardening from this book, it is that complete. To be able to do so from within a tradition that so honors the Earth is a privilege. It is really a treasure of things to do outdoors, so much so that I predict anyone who uses it will find it hard to go back inside once "gardening time" is over.

Do enjoy! Especially for 5th grade in the Waldorf curriculum.

Space and Counterspace
An Introduction to Modern Geometry

Louis Locher-Ernst

Softbound

Regular Price: $25.00

Damaged: Creased upper right corner - otherwise in excellent condition

Damaged Price: $20.00

This classic examination of Projective Geometry offers a detailed exposition of the topic from a variety of perspectives and will be a great aid to Waldorf teachers and others seeking to penetrate the thinking behind this important topic.