The Snow Queen [Hardcover]

Naomi Lewis (Adapter), Hans Christian Andersen (Author), Christian Birmingham (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 14, 2008 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

A classic translation of one of the world's greatest fairy tales — a magical story of a young girl's quest to save the boy she loves.

When Kay is lured from his home by the beautiful, cruel Snow Queen, his friend Gerda sets out on an epic journey to rescue him. As she searches, she encounters a series of strangers to whom she relays her plight. Charmed by her story and her innocence, each of them helps Gerda, so that at last she is able to find the Snow Queen's icy palace. But at the end of her epic journey, will Gerda manage to set Kay free? Soft, ethereal artwork and a faithful translation set the mood for a keepsake edition of Andersen's much-loved winter's tale.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–6—Lewis's adaptation of Andersen's well-known tale is a smoother, somewhat edited version of the one she included in Tales of Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Joel Stewart (Candlewick, 2004), and the text is more appealingly arranged on the page. It includes Andersen's introduction to the story, which describes the breaking of the devil's magic mirror, as well as all of the twists and turns of the plot that are a part of Gerda's journey to find Little Kay. Soft pastel illustrations show aerial views of the lovely orange-roofed European city; several exquisitely rendered portraits of the children and of the elegant and beautiful Snow Queen; and impressionist-style scenes that range in size from full-page to smaller vignettes, highlighting and enlivening each of the unusual characters and scenes in the story. The tale's sophistication lies in its well-fleshed-out religious motifs-the purity and innocence of a child's heart that obliges people and animals to serve her; the great power inherent in the utterance of the Lord's Prayer by this child whose faith is pure and strong. A lovely edition to add to any collection.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
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About the Author

Naomi Lewis is a leading authority on the works of Hans Christian Andersen, many of whose stories she has translated. She is also the author of EAST O' THE SUN, WEST O' THE MOON, illustrated by P.J. Lynch. She lives in London.

Christian Birmingham is the illustrator of Martin Waddell's A KITTEN CALLED MOONLIGHT, as well as several titles by Michael Morpurgo. He lives in London.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (October 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763632295
• ISBN-13: 978-0763632298
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 0.4 x 12.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #682,941 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #71 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > European

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Ilustrated Edition, August 8, 2009

By 

Italy 78 "Italy 78" (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Snow Queen (Hardcover)

I am a big fan of Candlewick Press since they have the most beautiful illustrated children books. This is the main reason why I decided to purchase this illustrated edition of the Snow Queen and I am so very glad I did so. The illustrations in this book amazing and, together with the quality of the book itself (which is always the case with Candlewick Press) and the wonderful story, they make this book a great buy. The print is nice and big and while it is probably not for a very young reader, I would say that an early independent reader can handle this book, especially since the rich illustrations help keep the reader's attention on the book and not get discouraged. I highly recommend this book also for young children: My six year old loves the story and the pics and will happily sit through the whole book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A mystical masterpiece and literary treat, December 16, 2009

By 

Andre R. Hill "Dr Andre R Hill" (Jamaica) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Snow Queen (Hardcover)

Ever since I read Hans Christian Anderson's superlative fairy tale,I fell in love with it.And without anybody telling me,I immediately recognised from where C.S. Lewis got the idea of the cruel white witch in his Chronicles of Narnia.Andreson's tale is magical,mystical,mythopoetic and essentially spiritual.I have come to believe that fairytales are the most adult literature that anyone can read,for they are true to sublime reality.I felt lost in the world of the snow queen and could feel every vibration from the pages seeping into me.Also the graphic illustrations which accompany this edition of Andreson's tale enhances the narrative tenfold.Children and adults will enjoy every sentence and every picture in this wonderful book.