l and profound of all Hans Andersen's fairy tales. It is a quest full of mystery, humour and adventure, and its uplifting theme is the power of innocence and enduring love. When Kay's heart turns to ice and he falls under the spell of the beautiful Snow Queen, little Gerda leaves home to search for him. On her way she encounters many dangers, but she never forgets Kay. She makes friends with flowers and birds, and with the bold robber girl who lends her a reindeer to take her to the Snow Queen's palace.

The Snow Queen is a story to read again and again, and to remember for ever. The lively, vivid text has been illustrated by Sally Holmes with all the loving, detailed attention it deserves. This is a sparkling re-telling of the famous classic from the pen of Hans Christian Andersen. Originally the son of a poor shoemaker, the secret of Andersen's success is that he wrote his stories as if he were telling them to a child. None of the original magic has been lost in this joyful new edition. Ideal to read aloud or for older readers to enjoy discovering by themselves.