“Our preschooler hasn’t been a big chapter-book fan, but she routinely asked for another Tiptoes Story.” “Borrow or Buy?: Buy! It’s a great way to introduce the chapter book concept to young readers and will be a book that middle-readers will enjoy a second (or third) time around.” The Reading Tub Review
"Fabulous book! This is an amazing, wonderful, peaceful book! It's just so simple and lovely. ... My daughter's had these books since she was 3, she's now 7 and still loves them. I will save them for my grandchildren!" Amazon Review
“I read these stories to the children in my class every week for a whole year – they loved them! Their faces shone with obvious delight – I recommend them highly.” Miki Higashine - grade school teacher
“For five years the children in my kindergarten delighted in experiencing the adventures of Tiptoes and her many friends. These tales are filled with wonder, magic and joy.” Susan Rice - kindergarten teacher
“Reg Down has created a magical world where children can be nurtured through storytelling.” Margarita Cervantes - kindergarten teacher
"Excellent writing! My 5 yr old daughter received this book from me for Christmas. The stories are very short (about 1-3 pages each) but so much is packed within each story. They are all age appropriate for any age; they are calming, interesting, and they draw the children in with their playful, magical characters and the experiences that they all have. My daughter loved being read to and was able to read some herself since they are short. I enjoyed them as well and I highly recommend this series. We have already ordered another tiptoes book." Amazon Review
"What a wonderful whimsical story book!! Our family LOOOOOVES this book. My daughters are 4 & 6 and every night they excitedly request Tiptoe's adventures. Such beautiful writing! All children should have this lovely book. ... The short stories make for a quick ease into bedtime or an even more enjoyable session if you have time to read a couple of the stories." Amazon Review
We have all of Reg Down's books, and we have read through all of his books at least three times in the past year, we all love the beautiful characters portrayed and my son ask for the stories every night.
One of the best children's books around ... and if you ask my son THE BEST! We hope Reg will not stop writing!" Amazon Review
"We love Tiptoes! My four year old daughter loves Tiptoes (and so do I). Charming, magical stories -- we will be buying more Tiptoes books very soon!" Amazon Review
"Great bedtime reading! My preschool children love this book. It works especially well at nap or bedtime, when each chapter can stand alone as a short story, but with a continuing story arc between chapters. The nature and fairy/gnome imagery works well within the Waldorf early childhood curriculum, and the stories have moments of humor to amuse parents as well." Amazon Review
"My children and I love this book! This is a favorite in our house. We have read and reread this book during bedtime. Reg also wrote another book about Tiptoes that we love and highly recommend." Amazon Review
"A wonderful book for children! We got this book (The Tales of Tiptoes Lightly) when our daughter was three. Now that she is four, she continues to love the stories in this trilogy and asks for them every night before bed. They are wonderfully written and short, making them well-suited for an evening bedtime story.” Amazon Review
“Reg Down is a masterful storyteller…” Paula Mandella - teacher & musician
“I’ve fallen in love with Tiptoes.” Donella Jean - mother of two
"My son's favorite! This book was requested by my son year after year for bed time story from the ages of 4 to 7. He is now 11 and we still talk about Tiptoes on occasion and share warm memories of all those cozy nights reading about Tiptoes and her friends. It is really fun to read aloud. The author has a way with words and how they flow from sound to sound." Amazon Review
"Great story for the young child! For those who have had the good fortune to work with Reg Down in eurythmy, these tales come to life in a completely different way as you can just see the children following along making gestures to accompany the sounds, poems and characters within the short chapter stories. The story line is enhanced by the word choice and sound gestures, even if one is just reading them aloud to a class. For those who know nothing about eurythmy, the play with sounds in the names and poems in these short stories is a great way to bathe a budding learner of the alphabet in alliteration and rhyme which can awaken them in an imaginative way to the sounds all around. What young child does not love playing with words like "Ompliant" the elephant? The short standalone chapters are also a perfect length to read when you just need something to fill a few spare minutes of transition - say after lunch in a 1st grade class. I'd also highly recommend this and Reg Down's other books for a child ready to transition from picture books to longer chapter books. The line drawings and short chapters make for a gentle transition to the longer more involved chapter story books. Amazon Review
"Lovely children's book: My seven-year-old and five-year-old sons (and I) really enjoyed reading this book. We have read it twice already, and I'm sure we will revisit it again (after we finish the third in the series). Perfect for bedtime reading, as it creates a calm, peaceful, magical mood with light humor and friendly characters that enjoy each other's company and helping each other out." Amazon Review
"My kids love this book! I read it to them at night. The chapters are very short (2-3 pages) so actually it's perfect length - if it's already late, I just read one chapter, if we have time, I might do two or three. My 4 year old girl constantly asks for it and even my 7 year old boy got into it. The plot is very simple and not dramatic at all, which is a nice change of pace - my kids really enjoy reading about simple everyday things that the characters are doing. And of course the fact that the characters are gnomes and faeries adds a lot of charm. Would definitely recommend it." Amazon Review
"Fantastic seasonal tales! Our family was introduced to Tiptoes Lightly last spring when these magical books were highly recommended by a friend. We have all been enchanted ever since. This year we started reading The Festival of Stones as the autumn festivals were beginning. It was wonderful for our older child, nearly 8, who is more familiar with Michaelmas and St. Martin from her school, to hear the tales presented in another way. It was also nice for our youngest, who has just turned 3, to have a familiar reference to ground into while processing the excitement of the Lantern Walk at school. We came home from it and he immediately asked to hear, "that Tiptoes Lightly lantern story," as he put it." Amazon Review
"This is the first of the Tiptoes Lightly series. It introduces Tiptoes - a tiny little tree elf/fairy who loves to help others and has many sweet adventures. It seems to be well-suited to summer time, but could be read anytime. We are about halfway through and Elsa loves it! We read a chapter or two every night, and the next day she finds things that remind her of the story. Very cute!" Good Reads Review
"The world that Reg Down has created through his characters and stories is gentle but lively. The stories are simple, yet interesting. They all connect to nature, starting with the fairy Tiptoes Lightly who lives in an acorn and her mouse and gnome friends. My 6 year old daughter is especially fond of these stories; she frequently asks to read Tiptoes at bedtime and quiet times. My 4 year old son listens attentively even though there are fewer illustrations than the picture books he normally reads. Moreover, I enjoy reading these stories, which I cannot say of all of the books they choose. This book contains about 30 short 1-3 page chapters with lovely line illustrations that are not cartoonish (as, lamentably, so many children's illustrations are today). The book has real staying power on the shelf because it can be read aloud, used to transition from picture to chapter books, and read by children on their own. We have read this book twice and are now enjoying the second, more seasonal book for fall and winter, The Festival of Stones. This series of books has become a mainstay in our family - - we want to keep following the adventures of Tiptoes and her companions! We have given this book to other children as birthday gifts and will continue to share this wonderful discovery. Highly recommended!" Amazon Review
"Delightful and magical! We are enjoying these magical stories as much as our 6 year old son. Thank you Tiptoes!!! Looking forward to the new book." Amazon Review
"Fantastic seasonal tales! Our family was introduced to Tiptoes Lightly last spring when these magical books were highly recommended by a friend. We have all been enchanted ever since. This year we started reading The Festival of Stones as the autumn festivals were beginning. It was wonderful for our eight year old, who is familiar with Michaelmas and St. Martin from her school, to hear the tales presented in another way. It was also nice for our youngest, who has just turned 3, to have a familiar reference to ground into while processing the excitement of the Lantern Walk at school. We came home from it and he immediately asked to hear, "that Tiptoes Lightly lantern story," as he put it." Amazon Review
"Delightful and magical! We are enjoying these magical stories as much as our 6 year old son. Thank you Tiptoes!!! Looking forward to the new book." Amazon Review
"Beautiful children's stories - My sister bought this book for the girls for Christmas and recorded her voice reading the stories on a CD. We've been listening to these stories on the way to school for the past 2 years! There are 3 stories in one book - Bee who lost his buzz, pumpkin crow and Lucy Goose and the Half-egg. The girls giggle with delight to these stories!" Amazon Review
"Begin a new adventure with Tiptoes Lightly! I remember over a year ago sitting with other preschool parents and hearing "Tiptoes Lightly" mentioned several times and finally asking, "What is Tiptoes Lightly?" And at that point my eyes and ears were opened to the wonderful tales written by Reg Down about the sweet tree fairy, Tiptoes Lightly, and of her friends in the woods, on the farm, and in the river. Our son is 5 1/2 and finds a lot of joy in the Tiptoes books. And as a parent, I enjoy reading them to him, because there is actual depth to the tales and alot of humor. At this time in childhood when imitation is so strong, I love that my son has the adventures and characters of Tiptoes Lightly to draw from. There are seven books about Tiptoes and friends, but none depends on the other for following the story, which is nice. The Easter Bunny actually brought my 9 1/2 year old niece her first Tiptoes book, my favorite so far ~ The Starry Bird - an Easter Tale ~ and she is loving it. Sweet, sweet books that I highly recommend!"Amazon Review
"Beautiful! We love the tales of Tiptoes Lightly. The illustrations are perfectly simplistic & the excitement & wonder it offers my children before they drift off to sleep adds a beautiful element to our lives. The tales are enjoyed mostly by our five year old, but our three year old son listens on just as happily. Any of the Tiptoes books are a wonderful addition to your library, this book we are reading for the third time. Buy it & enjoy!" Amazon Review
The Festival of Stones
“This is a fascinating book by an extraordinarily imaginative writer.” The Reading Tub Review
“Copies of Tiptoes Lightly and the Festival of Stones are flying off the shelves of our school bookstore! We will be ordering more soon, and would love to include Big-stamp too if he’s ready for his debut!” Rebecca Dawson – Enchanted Caravan Bookstore - Cape Ann Waldorf School
"My 5 yr old daughter asks for this every night! ... These are lovely little stories with a few black and white drawings." Amazon Review
"Another good one! We love Tiptoes and her friends! Great book! I would recommend this for 6-9 year olds." Amazon Review
"My 10 year old loves this book~now she reads it herself. Before I would read it to her before bed. Great book! Helps their imaginations flourish!" Amazon Review
"Perfect for reading aloud: This book is thoughtfully written for Waldorf and non-Waldorf educated families. The characters come to life in the stories, and my daughter loves acting out their adventures when she is playing outside. She especially loves Pine Cone and Pepper Pot and can't wait to see what will happen to them next! My daughter and I have so enjoyed our "before bed reading time" of all the Tiptoes Lightly stories. They are perfect read aloud stories that any parent and child will enjoy together."Amazon Review
"This book was recommended to my children by a Waldorf family. My 6 year old has read all four of Reg's books and she would love even more. My 3 year old is in his first of the four books and he is begging for a new chapter each day. You don't have to have your children at a Waldorf school to enjoy the fairies, gnomes, and friendly creatures that capture a child's imagination." Amazon Review
"Wonderful Nature Stories - perfect for kindergarten and 1st grade: If you are a parent of children in the 4 - 8 year old range or if you are a kindergarten or 1st grade teacher, get this and ALL Tiptoes story books by Reg Down. They are truly magical, beautifully written, and have are perfect for gently bringing the rhythm of nature into the young child's consciousness. I told these stories all last year to a Waldorf 1st grade class and they LOVED them! This year I am teaching my own 1st grade and these stories will be part of the curriculum. The collection of stories are like chapters but each story can be read on its own and they are relatively short - so perfect for bedtime, too. Thank you to Reg Down for his brilliant collection of stories!" Amazon Review
" Wonderful, gentle tales: I was so excited to find this book. My children are very sensitive and it's been difficult to find quality stories that don't frighten them, so I was delighted to find a book full of gentle, imaginative stories that are absent the dark, thrilling (and frankly, sometimes scary) characters and situations common in many children's books these days. It's a bonus that my kids beg (literally beg) for another tale after I finish one. The chapters (or tales) work wonderfully as individual stories or read in succession. A great addition to any family or classroom library." Amazon Review
"Magical Stories! This is such a beautifully written book that my girls (6 and 4) are absolutely captivated by! At first I was unsure of how they would take to it as the pictures are minimal but they just watch my face intently and beg me to continue reading chapter after chapter. I can't wait to get more Tiptoes books!" Amazon Review
"Wonderful short stories for the fall and winter holidays. As a Waldorf teacher, in first grade the children often ask me to tell them a story whenever we have a few minutes to spare or when they finish their work early. The Tiptoes Lightly series of books is perfect for those times when I just need a short tale to tell and don't have time to read from a longer chapter book or tell a tale from memory. Although written in chapters with a loose storyline holding them together, many of the chapters in the Festival of the Stones work well as stand-alone tales to read around the various fall and winter festivals - Michaelmas, Halloween, Martinmas, Advent and Christmas. The other chapters continue, through short vignettes of daily life, to develop the characters the children have come to know and love from the Tiptoes Lightly book. What I particularly like about these stories are the verses, poems and songs interspersed throughout the stories. As I listen to my students playing around with rhymes as they develop their language skills for reading and writing, I love to bring them stories that help not only to awaken their imagination through descriptive stories, but also to awaken their love of sounds in verse and rhyme. Unlike stories written completely in rhyme, which seem to put the children to sleep, these have just the right amount that truly awakens them to the richness of language and its power. What a wonderful way to bathe these emerging readers in symphony of sounds and images!" Lisa Acher, Waldorf Teacher, Amazon Review
"Favorite stories from fall to winter - Starting in the fall, we read one of these chapters each night before bed. The girls ALWAYS beg for more but we find patience and wait for the next night. The stories walk us through the darkening of fall, Michaelmas celebration, Halloween all the way through Christmas. Short sweet stories that children so easily relate to. This was our first Tiptoes book...we were hooked! Now we have them all!" Amazon Review
"Simply amazing children's book! I bought this book on a whim after a quick look at the "waldorf painting" on the front, I never thought it would become my favorite children's book this year! my children adore tiptoes and all her friends, I think Reg down is a wonderful writer his characters are heartwarming and ALL my children could enjoy and relate to the stories. I hope to own all his books soon!" Amazon Review
"We love Tiptoes! This is our 2nd Tiptoes Lightly book and it's every bit as good as the first one, which was "The Tales of Tiptoes Lightly". This is our favorite nightly reading for both my kids, ages 4 and 7. My husband and I are also enjoying Reg Down's gentle yet humorous storytelling. We just ordered two more Tiptoes books." Amazon Review
"So glad to know the wonderful tales written by Reg Down about the sweet tree fairy, Tiptoes Lightly, and of her friends in the woods, on the farm, and in the river. Our son is 5 1/2 and finds a lot of joy in the Tiptoes books. And as a parent, I enjoy reading them to him, because there is actual depth to the tales and alot of humor. He got this book in his Easter basket and we read it over a week at bed and when I closed the book, he asked if we could start reading it over again. At this time in childhood when imitation is so strong, I love that my son has the adventures and characters of the Tiptoes Lightly books to draw from. There are seven books about Tiptoes and friends, but none depends on the other for following the story, which is nice. The Easter Bunny actually brought my 9 1/2 year old niece her first Tiptoes book, my favorite so far ~ The Starry Bird - an Easter Tale ~ and she is loving it. Sweet, sweet books that I highly recommend!" Amazon Review
"My six year old LOVES this book! This is a wonderful book of fall into winter stories. Would appeal to a four to eight year old, especially if they are hearing some of the story cycles at school. Wonderfully written, engaging for both children and parents. A great book if you struggle with storytelling to your child - you can read this and feel like you are telling a great story!" Amazon Review
"We LOVE Tiptoes! This is our 4th Tiptoes book and my children love them (ages 10, 6, and 3). I really like how this one goes through all the festivals they are learning about in school or celebrating at home. These books are great for all ages." Amazon Review
Big-Stamp Two-Toes the Barefoot Giant
"I have to say I was originally skeptical of the whole fairy story thing, but me and my 3 children have fallen in love with Tiptoes Lightly! This particular book has a title that would suggest stories about a stomping giant, but that is but one entertaining tale among the many springtime adventures of Tiptoes and her friends. My son (7) especially LOVES these stories and asks to hear them over and over. There is imaginative depth to this book, so we are all nourished by the repeated re-telling. The younger 2 (4 and 2) get a dreamy look in their eyes when they talk about Tiptoes, Ompliant the elephant and Jeremy Mouse. Such a lovely childhood blessing in a world too full of cynicism, sound bites, edu-moments and videos." Amazon Review
"Tiptoes is delightful! We love the Tiptoes series of books by Reg Down. Tiptoes, the fairy and her forest friends are sweet characters with small adventures. There is just enough adventure to capture interest and move a story along but there is nothing frightening and no "drama" for small children (rec. 4yrs-8yrs). The illustrations are black and white line drawings to help us picture the happenings while letting the imagination weave the rest. This is a sweet story for sweet children, full of fancy, magic and delight."Amazon Review
"Love it! We have read all of the Tiptoes series and would HIGHLY recommend them to any child. Both of my girls still ask for these at bedtime and even my 6yr old reads them herself. Reg Down has done a fantastic job and my favorite part is they are so original. I feel like these stories are classics that I will keep for my grandchildren." Amazon review
"Spring has come! We discovered the books of Tiptoes Lightly about a year ago and continually enjoy them. The adventures of Tiptoes and her friends are a constant request from my three-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter at story time. They are timeless and are due to be classic children's stories."Amazon Review
"Magical and enchanting for boys and girls alike! My girls (ages 5 and 7 now) LOVE this book! We have the whole series of tiptoes lightly. They are such gentle stories!
This book has 2 stories in one - Ompliant's Owie (Ompliant is an Elephant that lives in the woods) and Big-Stamp Two-Toes the Barefoot Giant. The girls got to meet new characters in this book, such as Chit-Chat the Chipmunk and Jemima and Jeremy Mouses' babies! My girls were a bit nervous and excited to read Big-Stamp...they actually insisted on jumping ahead to that chapter and covered their ears with anxious anticipation as I read it. They felt so brave! (It's not scary!) But there is lots of adventure in this book - a nutshell boat ride to Pixie Island and the Tiger in the Forest! All works out well in the end. These tales are perfect for boys and girls alike! My oldest loves to memorize the poems that Tiptoes recites in the books. My youngest loves the songs that are hidden in the book too! Hats off to Reg Down for putting such a magical spin on such beautiful stories!" Amazon Review
"My three-year-old daughter is completely charmed by Tiptoes Lightly and her world. We love this collection of spring-themed tales. The short chapters are perfect for a preschooler's bedtime story and the combination of stories, verse, and simple drawings keeps her attention. She especially loves the names of all the characters and I overhear her including all the fairy folk in her pretend play during the day. I'm sure as she gets older, she will begin appreciate many more aspects of these sweet little tales - how they inspire and teach, how they hold reverence for the natural world, how they use humor and language to tell a story. I highly recommend this and all the other Titptoes Lightly tales. They are sure to nurture a child's imagination and imbue their storytime with magic, wonder, and love for the world around them."Amazon Review
"Another lovely story: Wyatt loves Tiptoes Lightly, and all her whimsical adventures. It is wonderful to read sweet stories about nature, that explain the world and important ideas, so that there is still magic in it. We will continue to read these books for years to come." Amazon Review
"Nap time Delight: Today, while our littlest slept, we read Big-Stamp Two-Toes the Barefoot Giant. I had planned on reading a chapter or two during nap time, but we finished the entire book. We were swept away into a magical world where Spring brought birth to the Earth and sweet children, animals, gnomes, fairies, and other magical creatures helped one another on their journeys. We felt a part of this world where kindness is practiced, connection is felt, and wonder fills the air. Laughter filled our breath and fairy twinkles reflected in our eyes. Thank you Reg Down for sharing your wonderful stories." Amazon Review
"My 5 1/2 year old loves Tiptoes Lightly." Amazon Review
"My 5 year old son loves listening to me read chapter books and this one was perfect for him. The chapters are short and the stories are lighthearted, funny and simple. We breezed through this book and I'll be buying more from the series." Amazon Review
The Magic Knot
"This book is a must-have for any child, right along with all of Reg Down's books. We have read this book many times and you will not be disappointed. My girls still ask for this book, it would make a PERFECT stocking stuffer." Amazon Review
"Very sweet book! My son loves listening to Tiptoes stories even though he is eight. I think Tiptoes is a great birthday present to any young child." Amazon Review
"Wonderful! Great book! My girls ages 7 & 10 both loved it. It was silly and fun and had no evil characters or scary stuff....because of this book we bought other Tiptoes books!" Amazon Review
"One of the best children's books! Another wonderful book in the Tiptoes Lightly series. The story centers around the two gnomes, Pine Cone and Pepper Pot, as they go on a quest to make one table and three chairs for Tiptoes' birthday. My three-year old boy and seven-year-old girl adore these books! They are simple enough so that the younger one can understand and remain entertaining as they get older." Bob Daniels, Amazon Review
"One of the best children's books! Another wonderful book in the Tiptoes Lightly series. The story centers around the two gnomes, Pine Cone and Pepper Pot, as they go on a quest to make one table and three chairs for Tiptoes' birthday. My three-year old boy and seven-year-old girl adore these books! They are simple enough so that the younger one can understand and remain entertaining as they get older."Amazon Review
"Clever and fun! I think this is the girls most favorite book! The stories revolve around preparations for TipToes' birthday. Her Gnome friends decided to make her a table and chairs and get their ant, spider and bee friends to help out. and Ompliant the elephant too! At the end, Tiptoes tells the story of her birth. The girls INSIST that we read this story at each birthday party and sing her birthday song!" Amazon Review
The Lost Lagoon
"The call of adventure can strike at any time. 'The Lost Lagoon' is charming story of the flood of the Running River in spring, where Tiptoes, Jeremy, and Greenleaf embark on an adventure into the Lost Lagoon. They meet plenty of characters along the way, and make for a fun read for younger readers. With an assortment of illustrations spread throughout, “The Lost Lagoon” is a fun and recommended pick for younger readers." Midwest Book Review
"... Mythical creatures and humans alike bask in the opportunity to explore and listen to each other's stories about how the world came to be. Down, who also provides the simple but effective illustrations throughout the book, treats his characters with just the right playful touch, encouraging readers to suspend their disbelief and engage with impossible creatures. Evoking classic creation myths, Down weaves into his narrative fantastical explanations of the first man and woman. His book also nods to Thornton Burgess with its inclusion of fables to explain things such as why slugs have no shells. Adults may regret a lack of complexity and find some of the exchanges slightly saccharine, but children will inherently realize this collection offers an antidote to the viral spread of movie-based narratives and those containing more than a hint of violence. The stories are easy enough that accomplished early readers can enjoy them independently; they are also perfect for out-loud reading sessions at bedtime. Sweet stories to share with children while storms rage outside. Kirkus Discoveries Review
"Yay! We love Tiptoes too! We are half way through 'The Lost Lagoon' and we are loving it!" K. Meacham on Facebook
"Another winner from Reg Down! We (my 6 yr old & I), always love books from Reg Down. 2 years ago, we started with The Tales of Tiptoes Lightly. Back then, my 4 yr old was into Picture Books. We were both disappointed when there was so little illustration in the book. But as I started reading it, I knew why there were so little illustration - no other pictures can be as vivid as the ones created in my little girls mind as she listens to the story - as Waldorf early childhood teachers always say. We went on the read the rest of his books. We always like the adventures of Pine Cone & Pepper Pot, Tiptoes & Jeremy Mouse.Amazon Review
"With simple prose and elegant line drawings, Reg Down creates a visually imaginative story for children of any age. My only question is: Where are Jemima Mouse and the mouslings?" Amazon Review
"These stories are fun and I love how they work along with the seasons and nature around us. These darling stories take you on journeys of toads, slugs, spiders and dragonflies...and their adventures with Tiptoes Lightly, Jeremy Mouse, Ompliant the Elephant, Pinecone and Pepperpot the Gnomes and all the rest." Amazon Review
"My first Reg Down book ... but not my last. I have been wanting to read one of Reg Down's books but hadn't gotten around to it. This book is very sweet with short chapters that stand alone but continue the story. I love that aspect because we could read a few chapters when we had time or only one when we didn't have a lot of time. Mr. Down's story is full of merriment and adventure. My 10 year old and 8 year old loved the story of "The Lost Lagoon" and were very please to learn that there are other books. They fell in love with the characters and now they look for the fairies and gnomes out in our woods and make up stories about all the creatures they find in nature." Amazon Review
"I have two sons, ages 4 and 9. We use some Waldorf materials in our Homeschooling curriculum, and had discovered Tiptoes Lightly last fall. I purchased our first book to read with my 4 year-old, and we loved it. When we picked up The Lost Lagoon, I assumed that it would be for my younger son and I. But as it turns out, my 9 year-old especially loves it and looks forward to it every night! This has to be a testimony to a good story. It isn't always easy to hook a boy on the cusp of 10 with fairy tales, but he looks forward to it every single night. This is a small thing, but I especially appreciate the short length of the chapters. They give a Mom an honest "out" if it's time to call it quits for the night, but also give us an easy way to be the hero Mom and read "just one more" chapter. We're big fans." Amazon Review
"A truely magical book by Reg Down. So glad to be reading the wonderful tales written by Reg Down about the sweet tree fairy, Tiptoes Lightly, and of her friends in the woods, on the farm, and in the river. Our son is 5 1/2 and finds a lot of joy in the Tiptoes books. And as a parent, I enjoy reading them to him, because there is actual depth to the tales and alot of humor. The Lost Lagoon was such a wonderfully magical tale (good for late kindergarten through 3rd grade). I think my son will appreciate this one more and more as he gets older." Amazon Review
"Great first chapter book! My 6 year old daughter was ready to move from picture books to a more involved story. However, many chapter books seem to be very real and my daughter still wanted a book of fantasy. This book is wonderful! The characters are easy to relate to, the story is imaginative and the dialogue is simple enough for a 6 year old to follow although I think it would still appeal to an older child. I especially appreciated the clever songs throughout the book!" Amazon Review
"LOVE this book! This is the first book review I have ever written, which tells you how moved I was by this book. And I read A LOT of children's books, so there is some tough competition! I have three kids and read to them frequently. I usually tune out while I'm reading and start thinking about other things (What the heck am I going to make for dinner? Why am I so tired? When will I get a break?). I'm sure those of you with multiple children can relate! But this book is so engaging and FUNNY I couldn't stop reading. It's a story that speaks to that pure, sweet, magical imagination in all kids. Such a contrast to the character-driven JUNK that I see on the Scholastic Book Order forms that come home from school!" Amazon Review
The Bee who Lost his Buzz
"Illustrated with soft, watercolor-style artwork throughout, author Reg Down's 'The Bee Who Lost His Buzz' is a soft cover anthology of short stories about Tiptoes and Jeremy Mouse, who help friends including the Bee whose buzz has been taken away by the cantankerous Mr. Cactus, the Worm who can't make his way home on his own, a tangled young Octopus who can only count to seven, and more creatures. Each warmhearted mini-tale blends into the next, making “The Bee Who Lost His Buzz” flow into a captivating whole. “The Bee Who Lost His Buzz” is ideal for teaching children how much fun reading can be." Midwest Book Review
"Welcome to the world of Tiptoes Lightly! We've been involved in Waldorf education for the past three years when our daughter entered kindergarten and I can't believe that we've only recently discovered the wonderful books of Reg Down. Tiptoes and her friends share many wonderful adventures together and this book is an excellent introduction. Whereas the other Tiptoes Lightly books feature black and white line drawings, this one is full of amazing watercolor illustrations. They are engaging enough for our seven-year-old and three-year-old. Our three-year-old even asks for these stories at bedtime and likes to pretend to be several of the character - mainly Jeremy Mouse and Pine Cone (and I'm Pepper Pot because I like pepper too)." Amazon Review
The Cricket and the Shepherd Boy
"Who but Reg Down could bring us a new Christmas story that glows with such warmth and beauty? The Cricket and the Shepherd Boy is a gift for the Season of Love. The author's paintings filling each page evoke a wholesome joy that resonates in wonderful ways with the story itself. I can tell as I hold this book that it will carry its message and its warmth far - families throughout the world will mark the Christmas season by taking it off the shelf and reading it each year. And then it will live on in the hearts of the children and adults who hear it. The Cricket and the Shepherd Boy is a treasure." Nancy Parsons,Waldorf Books
"Also highly recommended is Reg Down's 'The Cricket and The Shepherd Boy: A Christmas Tale', a touching holiday story that brings the generous and reverent spirit of Christmas to life year-round." Midwest Book Review
"Beautiful holiday story: This story has all the innocence and magic I expected from a Reg Down book. As a non-Christian family, my children are unfamiliar with the story of Jesus' birth, and I loved this as a simple, sweet introduction for them. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful, although if I had one, tiny complaint about the book, it's that they make the text a little difficult to read on some of the "night" pages. I think the age recommendation is right on. My six year old was enthralled, but my two year old didn't make it to the end. This is a wonderfull holiday book that I will look forward to reading to my children year after year." Amazon Review
"Our kids loved The Cricket and Shepherd Boy book this morning from Santa. Thank you!" Jennifer Tan
"What a sweet book!: The Cricket and the Shepherd Boy is such a sweet and gentle way to introduce the story of the birth of Jesus. It brings the perfect mix of light-hearted fun and joyful reverence that is perfect for this story. As the previous reviewer mentioned, it touches just lightly upon the story of Jesus which makes it an excellent choice for families of all different faiths. What makes this story most remarkable, though, are the illustrations. Each page is filled with vibrant watercolor illustrations that depict the story in a beautifully simple way. These paintings are so beautiful they make me want to pull out my brushes!Waldorf Reviews
"Perfect for the holidays: The Cricket and the Shepherd Boy is a beautifully illustrated book about a dedicated shepherd boy who is introduced to a cricket. The cricket leads him to the manager where he meets a mother, father and child, he is in awe of the child. As he leaves the manger an Angel appears and asks him to share the message of the child with the world, to help him travel the angel mends his knee so he can travel, spreading the word. I like the different perspective the story took. We celebrate Advent through out the month and hearing the story from a different view other than that of Mary and Joesph's if delightful. The text is very descriptive, it can make you feel the cold and warmth, see the colors, and feel the emotions of the characters. However the peaceful watercolor illustrations are my favorite, the colors are soothing and flowing. A great addition to your holiday collection. In fact any book by Reg Down is a great." Amazon Review
"A wonderful nativity story for younger children! Simply put, Reg Down is a master storyteller and artist. This book is full of beautiful watercolors and simple prose that make it a wonderful introduction to the Nativity story for any young child. Although the Nativity story is a Christian one, it is also the story of the changing of the seasons and what they bring. This book is very good for non-Christian families as it focuses more on the spirit of the time of year without being heavy-handed on the birth of Jesus. We look forward to reading this to our children every year!" Amazon Review
The Starry Bird
"The Starry Bird is an uplifting Easter tale written especially for children. Weaving in themes of new life, death and rebirth, wrapped in gentle touches of fantasy and humor, laced with graceful black and white pen and ink drawings, The Starry Bird is a chapter book that will appeal to children ages 8 and up. For children age 7 and under, the author has presented an alternate version of the Easter tale ... The Little Starry Bird. (i.e., an alternate ch. 32) It can be read ... in a single sitting to younger children. The Easter tale is viewed through a new lens, with the themes of redemption and rebirth freshly imagined. The Starry Bird is full of imaginative, mischievous elves, creatures of nature like Jeremy Mouse, the fairy Tiptoes Lightly, and the two children of Farmer John, Tom and June. The miracle of new life unfolding is celebrated anew. Parents and children will enjoy The Starry Bird, the perfect book to send along with a favorite young person on their spring vacation or in their Easter basket." Midwest Book Review (The Starry Bird got the leading review in the Fiction Shelf on the Children's Bookshelf - May 2011)
"Best Easter Gift! The Easter Bunny left this in the girls Easter Basket last year and it was by far the most treasured gift...even above the chocolate bunny!" Amazon Review
"Another wonderful book in this series! All of the Tiptoes Lightly books are gentle, sweet stories and this book is no exception. I enjoyed it greatly and look forward to sharing it with my children when Spring comes." Amazon Review
"My four kids gave (The Starry Bird) a great review too!" Facebook Fan
"We loved it too! It was given to the kids by the Easter Hare. :)" Facebook Fan
"Did it again! I love all of his books, and my daughter loves Tiptoes Lightly and all of the crew. This story builds the perfect amount of suspense through the book (what is that huge egg?) without it being too exciting to read before bed. The whole series of books is wholesome and speaks to a child's imagination. Perfect for Waldorf families!" Amazon Review
"Magical Tiptoes! This was our 1st Tiptoes book and it was read many times. My son and I enjoy this book and all the Tiptoes series." Amazon Review
"A must-read to encourage imagination! The Starry Bird is another fantastic book by Reg Down. As with all Tiptoe books, there is a special way that the author pulls you and your child into the lives of June Berry, Tom, Farmer John and their wonderful woods (forest). The encounters with fairies, gnomes and critters of the forest (including a very large elephant) all make for an adventure to be taken over and over. The Easter Tale is no exception! Each chapter builds a bit of suspense around a very large egg. To my 7 year old son every night he said "this is such a cliff hanger" but not being so much to produce excessive thinking before bed. The tons of giggles and a bit of suspense end with a great tale of rebirth and hope. Thank you Reg Down, for yet another wonderful tale to share with my boy!!" Amazon Review
"A Magical Story for Spring: The Starry Bird is an Easter story, and within the book there is a chapter called The Starry Bird which is the story of Easter as told to Tom and June Berry by their father. The rest of the book revolves around a mysterious giant egg which appeared in the forest overnight, and keeps growing bigger. At the end of the book, the giant egg hatches and a phoenix flies out - just like in the Easter story told to the children. There is lots of action, entertainment, and suspense as Tom, June, Tiptoes, and their forest friends (from magical to mundane) try to solve the mystery of the egg. But of course, it's all done in that wonderful Reg Down way that manages to keep things simple and calm at the same time. My six year old and I both loved this book. She was couldn't get enough of it, and I am sure we'd have read it in one sitting if it had been up to her. She even had me read to her at bedtime (an honor usually reserved for her father) so we could finish it faster! I truly enjoyed reading it too, unlike a lot of books for this age group. It doesn't seem old fashioned, but there is a timeless quality which left me feeling as though I could be reading a book that was written 100 years ago." Amazon Review
"Another great Tiptoes book! I'm reading this to both my 6 and 4 yr-old and they both love it. It has all the familiar characters and we talk often of the story and the mystery of the egg. I've loved every one of Reg Down's books because the stories are so sweet and simple but keep all of our interest. These books have been such a great find for our family!" Amazon Review
Color and Gesture
"Reg Down’s Color and Gesture is a monumental work that explores in depth and with beauty the inner life of color as expressed through eurythmy and Rudolf Steiner’s spiritual vision – this is an amazing book!" Nancy Parsons Waldorf Books
The following review is by Therese Schroeder-Sheker, founder and academic dean the School of Music-Thanatology. Formally, thanatology is the scientific study of death, investigating the bodily changes that accompany death, as well as the wider social aspects related to death and dying. It is primarily an interdisciplinary study offered as a course at colleges and universities. Therese’s work is centered on playing music for the dying in clinical, hospice and home settings. Her approach is informed by anthroposophy and her work has been the subject of an award winning documentary. This review will appear in the Zoe, the journal for music-thanatology and contemplative musicianship, and Coherence, a professional journal for music therapists, the newsletter of the Eurythmy Association of North America and the Eurythmy Association of Great Britain and Ireland. See www.chaliceofrepose.orgfor further information on Therese's work, bibliography and discography.
“My highest praise and appreciation go to Reg Down for these quiet, sensitive, lucid and lyrical pages. Color and Gesture presents a series of meditative essays and illustrated explorations on the formative and transformative power of color and gesture, sound and music, body and soul from the perspective of a practicing eurythmist. Surely this represents a life-work, penned by someone who is an artist and philosopher, and who has taken the art of pedagogy seriously. Each section is carefully developed, and reflects the author’s capacity for observation. With rare sensibility he describes interior and exterior phenomena, inner space and outer space. As both participant and observer, his sensitivity toward color, gesture and sound models for all readers a rare balance between the human capacities for thinking, feeling and willing. All three are represented in this work in such a way that they are equally present, interconnected, mutually fructifying, and life-giving. One way of knowing does not eclipse another way of knowing, and his knowing does not eclipse being nor drown out feeling.
We can learn so much from this book, not only for the innate content, accompanied by a sensitive use of language, but also for the model of reflection the author presents. I am not a dancer, nor a eurythmist. I am a contemplative, an artist and a musician-clinician, and long ago promised myself to nourish the capacity to learn from everyone and everything, personally and professionally. It is my hope that representatives from many of the arts and humanities will seek out and learn something profound from Mr. Down’s imaginative work. When he speaks about yellow or violet, incarnation or excarnation, color theory, muscle tension, or major and minor scales, he speaks in such a way that I listen. Although Color and Gesture is implicitly a work about the inner life of color, I can’t help but be struck by the fact that this work also offers a new kind of curriculum in presence-of-being. Reg Down is a master of witnessing. Seeing and hearing are culturally conditioned, and we do not all see or hear in the same way. Most moderns are bombarded with such a surplus of undigested sensory impressions that we can at times become numb with overload, to possibility, to quivering potential, to reality. When we add to this the tendency to function through theory or abstraction, an experiential work of this magnitude lights up as radical and life-giving. To this end, Color and Gesture is a significant work, it helps repair the modern malaise of fragmentation. Whether taking a walk at night in order to gaze at the evening stars and breathe them in, or attending someone suffering with metastatic breast cancer, this book has affected me. I am more beautifully sensitized and prepared to meet the dynamism, subtlety and terrain of health and illness, living and dying, human encounter and relationship with Nature, after spending time with this strong and searching work.”
Therese Schroeder-Sheker, Academic Dean, School of Music-Thanatology
Chalice of Repose Project, www.chaliceofrepose.org
The Fetching of Spring
"A journey is nothing without misadventure. The Fetching of Spring is a humorous spin on the fairy tale from Reg Down, following young Tik-Tak as he is sent off to recover the Golden Bird, and ends up seemingly doing everything but. A story of a young one with good intentions perhaps ending up doing more good than he ever thought he could, The Fetching of Spring is an excellent pick for anyone looking for a fun take on the fairy tale fantasy." Midwest Book Review
"The Fetching of Spring is a joyful, heartbreaking, action packed, contemplative, funny, whimsical, uplifting, and deeply serious fairy tale for grown ups by an author who has delighted children for years. Much of the charm of this tale lies in the comedic tension between its fleet-footed telling, and the perilous quest of its stumbling hero. Its joy, on the other hand, is found in the author’s clear-eyed assessment of our modern condition and the demands it places on us for survival as human beings. That he couches all this so beautifully within the conventions of a classic fairy tale is nothing less than sublime.
Our story opens in a kingdom where there is just the right amount of corruption to render all those not wielding ill-gotten power either grouchy or very sleepy. Add to this the fact that the Golden Bird, the heart of the kingdom and source of its joy and prosperity, has been stolen (or so the king says) and ... in order to appease his subjects, the king declares that someone must find and bring back the Golden Bird. He chooses the sleepiest person for the task, Tik-Tak, the baker’s son, equips him with a steed no one else wants, gives him a dull and rusty sword, and sends him off to do the good deed.
What follows is a masterful quest story that takes our hero (and thereby ourselves) from a cozy place by the fire and places him, often dazed and misguided, on the path to rescue the Golden Bird. Tik-Tak’s travels take him into two neighboring kingdoms, once joyous but now bereft, through the land of Erce-Ma (you have to meet her to understand), and out into the desert where he happens upon a much better steed. From there his path leads downward, and he bumbles his way into the realms of un-humanness that, simply put, are nearly unbearable to witness (though we all see them everyday). But from there Tik-Tak meets with success by finding the Golden Bird and begins the perilous climb upward. Finally, he restores all that was lost in the three upper kingdoms and finds both purpose and true happiness for himself.
The Fetching of Spring is wonderful reading of the very best sort: a story true and strong, told with joy and wonder, clarity and hope. This one is not to be missed." Nancy Parsons, Waldorf Books
"A Grail story for our time. This is both a delightful and serious story for the times we live in. There lives in this story pictures we can all live into; the young Fool, leaving home, naively setting forth in quest of a Golden Bird. It is the story of the journey from innocence, to struggle and then the return home with a renewed consciousness of maturity. Take this book into your home and into your heart; a delightful fairy tale for adults! it is truly a Grail story for our times." Amazon Review
"Reg Down's fairy tale for adults is a delightful story with all the elements of a fairy tale: the journey, the quest, the obstacles and the happy ending. Tik-Tak the protagonist endears himself to readers as he sets out on a journey to find the stolen Golden Bird and in the process discovers himself and the world around him. His unfolding from a lazy, baker's son to a strong, upright man who acquires a heart felt understanding of life and love is a transformation that is engaging and beautifully written.
I read with much pleasure (and horror) the author's parody of the world we live in-- the lifestyle of people who are hooked on media, and live an extremely sedentary life while consuming vast quantities of food called "rugbers" and "azzip." The creative use of language, such as humor, puns and word play, simultaneously lightens the reading experience and highlights the underlying weighty message about the human condition. It is very sobering to realize that, in the world around us, the need for connectivity with a screen is quickly surpassing the need for human connection.
In addition to Tik-Tak, the character of Spring is another vital force in the book and her transformation (I don't want to give too much away) is magical and uplifting as it seems to say that Winter turning to Spring, can indeed be an eternal, hopeful state of mind when seen through an open and warm heart!"Amazon Review
Eggs for the Hunting
"If you aren't a Tiptoes fan yet, "Eggs for the Hunting," the seventh book in the Tiptoes Tales, is a great place to start. It's a wonderful book for young children, highly imaginative and utterly entertaining." David Kennedy, Waldorf Today
"Eggs of all colors and sizes can seem so appealing if you can find them. "Eggs for the Hunting" is a fantastical story for children from Reg Down. Telling stories of gnomes hunting for eggs, and the discoveries of Tom and June as they come across the gnomes and their hunts. "Eggs for the Hunting" is an entertaining twist for younger readers, very much recommended." Midwest Book Review
"Perfect spring tale for all ages: I fell in love with these books instantly as did my 5 children. I think this one captures the innocence of spring and easter beautifully, My children begged for more and I ended up reading this book in only two nights. Would make a wonderful gift in the easter basket!" Amazon Review
"Perfect for Spring! Another magical, delightful collection of stories from Reg Down! My daughter is particularly excited about Easter this year, so she loved all the different egg-themed tales. And she is quite enamored with the gnome, Pepper Pot ("Pepper on pancakes, mama? That's so silly!"). These sweet, simple stories perfectly capture the hopefulness of the spring season, the budding of life and the brightening days, but in a way that resonates with even the youngest children. The tales are the perfect length for a bedtime read and the little illustrations are just enough to spark the imagination. And the characters are unforgettable - from Pepper Pot and Pine Cone to Tiptoes Lightly and even the Wise Salmon. My daughter loves imagining them all day long..." Amazon Review
"Again Reg Down has created Magic! We absolutely love this book! Written, like all Tiptoes books, the chapters are the perfect length to read either one or several before bed. At one point I was worried that the Easter Bunny was to be revealed, only to be assured of the magic of such figures. We were inspired to paint eggs and my 7 year old also found a wonderful "mystery egg" on Easter morning. These books are not only beautifully told and amusing, they always generate ideas for me to keep magic alive for my son." Amazon Review
"Wonderful book ... as always. We loved this book as all the other Reg Down book's!" Amazon Review
"We have so enjoyed reading this book during the Easter season, that when we finished it I was to immediately start at the beginning again! The 2 gnomes who star in this gentle weaving of tales, legends and story are lots of fun and were really enjoyed by my kids, especially the boys, who laughed uproariously at their wacky antics trying to procure eggs to decorate from the hen, the duck, the bunnies... We then decorated our own eggs to hang on our Easter Tree, and my kids bring me stories of the gnomes and fairies they meet out in the yard, and the world is full of wonder. All of the Tiptoes books are worth having, and they make a lovely foundation for celebrating the seasons of the year with young children, wonderful to read again and again." Amazon Review
"Magic for the Finding. Get ready for another magical ride! This is a delightful tale about Pine Cone and Pepper Pot the gnomes and their quest to give from their hearts. In order to bring to life what they truly want to give to their two favorite humans, they must go on an adventure. This adventure leads them to have encounters with forest and farmyard animals that have their own stories to tell and wisdom to give. You may pick up this book looking for eggs, but you will find much, much more, as there is whimsy and wonder around every corner. Not only will children enjoy this journey into the magic of the gnomes' world, but every adult, that is a child at heart, will, too. I am so pleased that I bought this book. My two boys (ages 4 and 7) can hardly wait for our evening story time. They were anxious to find out how the book ended, but sad to be finished. It will be an Easter tradition in our house in the years to come." Amazon Review
"Beautiful again - another tale of wonder that my 5 & 3 year old loved. The characters in all the Tiptoes books provide a wonderful stepping stone into the imaginary world & are often part of my children's daily play. We loved this book & enjoyed reading it over the Easter period. It does however contain numerous religious references, which I found I needed to skip over. In hindsight I wish I had read the book myself before reading aloud to the children, as some of the religious content doesn't fit in with our personal family traditions. This being said, there was plenty we loved about this book! Enjoy!!" Amazon Review
A Tangle of Tales
"A Tangle of Tales is a great "read-aloud" repository for homeroom, storytime, bedtime, or the simple joy of parent-child reading time - highly recommended." Midwest Book Review
The Alphabet
"Great story with beautiful illustrations. A must-have for your personal library." Amazon Review
"Capitvating story. One of my favorite Waldorf homeschool tools to date." Amazon Review
General Reviews and Comments
"We have recently 'discovered' Reg Down's Tiptoes Lightly books and my kindergartener ADORES them. They are "chapter" books so she feels more grown up (she has an older sibling) but they are very short chapters, 2-3 pages usually and many their own story. I definitely would say these are fantastic Kindergarten/First Grade type books." Melaniee - Mothering Magazine
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"My girls adore Tiptoes Lightly! If you're not familiar with these wonderful chapter books just take a swing by the author's website. He offers many stories for you to sample, for free! But let me just go ahead and tell you, you're going to want the whole book and every one of them. Honestly, I just can't imagine any child (or adult for that matter) not being thoroughly enchanted with the stories. The slim books are broken down into easy chapters 1-3 pages long. We read at least 2 or 3 chapters every time we sit down with them. And the girls always want more! They center around a fairy by the name of Tiptoes Lightly who lives in an acorn in the Great Oak Tree. She has many fun adventures with her friends, Pine Cone and Pepper Pot, Jeremy Mouse, Ompliant the Elephant and also the children who live on the farm, June Berry and Tom Nutcracker. The stories are very gentle and are perfectly in tune with a Waldorf-inspired life style. It brings me such pleasure when my children are able to relate to the seasonal festivals and goings on in the Tiptoes books in a way they don't get from any other series. Our books are carried around and brought to bed and poured over daily, even though my little ones aren't reading yet. But I hear them making up their own stories as they follow the sweet and simple illustrations and in their play." This Cozy Life
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Do you know Tiptoes Lightly and her friends, who come alive through a series of delightful stories to share with your young children? Eurythmist Reg Down has created 8 children's books about their adventures--check them out on his website!
Especially recommended for fall are the stories "The Most Beautiful Dragon in the Whole World" and "St. Martin's Light" from his book The Festival of Stones. These and many other short stories are available as free downloads on his website, but the illustrations are so lovely that you'll want to buy the complete books!
Reg has also recently edited and re-released a favorite for older children, The King of Ireland's Son by Padraic Colum. He has also republished Gilgamesh (5th grade) and The Children of Odin - The Book of Northern Myths by Padraic Colum (4th grade).
My children loved The King of Ireland's Son when they were growing up, and I'm looking forward to sharing the Tiptoes Lightly stories with grandchildren! Waldorf in the Home