Somewhere in the undergrowth, perhaps near a river, some kindly, magic creatures (perhaps they were a kind of goodwill-spreading elves or pixies or similar) remained mostly hidden.
They were delicate, and stealthy. They went on adventures.
Some of them, or perhaps all of them but only some of the time, had a glow about them, or a flame within them or above their heads, which naturally lit their way. Perhaps it also sometimes brought them into danger.
They were somehow wistful, perhaps even mournful, or drifting, but very attractive, in the sense of drawing one in.
The illustrations were soft, probably watercolours, perhaps outlined in pen, all a bit mysterious and inconclusive.
Who are they?
Any suggestions for book title or author would be most appreciated. Thank you.
Thanks, everyone. I'll have a look at all those links.
To answer 3Wishes' questions:
The text was English not German. I don't know when or for whom the physical book was bought, but guess it must have been around in the 70's, maybe as early as the 60's.