Let me start by saying, this edition of *The Snow Queen* is pure magic. The moment I opened it, I was transported back to my childhood. The pages even smell the same—like nostalgia and wonder. Mary Engelbreit’s illustrations? Absolutely breathtaking. They capture the dark yet enchanting essence of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale perfectly.

One thing to note: this is *not* the Disney-fied version of *Frozen*. It’s darker, more poetic, and far more profound. The story follows Gerda’s journey through enchanted gardens and frozen wastelands to rescue her friend Kai from the Snow Queen’s icy grip. It’s a tale of love, courage, and growing up—and it’s as much for adults as it is for kids.

The illustrations are the star here. They’re so detailed that my kids (and let’s be honest, me too) spent hours poring over them, spotting little details we missed the first time. The only downside? Some of the best artwork is spread across two pages, making it hard to read and admire at the same time. A minor quibble for such a gorgeous book.

I will say, this might not be for every child. It’s a bit melancholic and eerie—perfect for kids who love darker stories (or for adults who appreciate fairy tales in their original, un-sanitized form). My 8-year-old adored it, but my 5-year-old needed some reassurance that Gerda would be okay!

If you’re a fan of classic fairy tales or just want a beautifully illustrated book to treasure, this is it. It’s a keeper—one that I’ll be passing down for generations.