The dangerous mirror of an evil magician has just shattered into small fragments of sand that blow into the eyes and hearts of unsuspecting victims. Suddenly, their world is viewed in a negative light, and their hearts become as cold as ice.

      Gerda and Kay lived in a small village in neighboring apartments that almost touched over a small lane. Together, they grew roses in a shared window box. The two friends created wonderful times until the fateful day that the frightening sand blew into Kay's eyes and heart. Instantly, Kay was wicked and mean to Gerda, even destroying their roses. And just as suddenly, he disappeared while riding his sleigh, captured by the Snow Queen and taken to her palace of ice and snow and wind.

      Gerda's love for Kay, however, was so strong that she was determined to find him and bring him back. Her journey transported her through a magical garden where an old woman wanted very much to keep her and to a beautiful palace with a prince and princess who shared with Gerda their good fortune. Clothed in fine garb, she then fell into the hands of a young robber, but even her heart melted to hear of Gerda's devotion. Finally, with the help of two women from Finland and Lapland, she arrived at the Snow Queen's palace.

      Gifted storyteller Ken Setterington has remained true to the timeless tale of Hans Christian Andersen. The narrative flows with an ease that one would expect from a man who has performed his craft in Central Park at the foot of the Hans Christian Andersen statue. Setterington, a children's librarian, lives in Toronto and is the Children and Youth Advocate for Toronto Library Services. In addition to his storytelling, Setterington has been heard reviewing children's books for CBC radio and was named the Outstanding Public Librarian for the year 2000 by the Ontario Library Association. The Snow Queen is his first book.

      As a huge compliment to the tale of Hans Christian Andersen, the illustrations have been done in scherenschnitt which Andersen also practiced. Scherenschnitt is the folk art of papercutting, and the delicate silhouettes were created by Nelly and Ernst Hofer who learned the craft in their homeland Switzerland. The Hofers, with their two children, now live in Perth County, Ontario, where they run a dairy farm. Due to their talent, The Snow Queen was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award for Illustration.

      The Snow Queen would be a wonderful addition to any library's fairytale collection and as a support for any class studying folk art of the world.

Highly Recommended.