The Snow Queen (Illustrated) Paperback – April 20, 2012

Superb edition having 3 dozen illustrations with numerous images of small children swinging, dancing, in a parade line, dressing up and more which ought to appeal to both youngsters and the young at heart. Last I checked this was the next best thing to free (99 cents) making it a great buy if all you want is this single tale.I've also included reviews for the "Stories from Hans Andersen" version (Part 1) "Andersen Fairy Tales illustrated by Edmund Dulac" version (Part 2) , and "A Tale in Seven Stories" version (Part 3).From this Thanksgiving to Christmastime I will only be reviewing Holiday books for your reading pleasure before drastically scaling back my reviews, so until such a time have a very, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

First, some housekeeping. There are a lot of editions and versions of "The Snow Queen" available. Many versions, including this one, use the H.B. Paull translation that was first published by Scribner and Co. in 1867 and is now, I believe, in the public domain. I particularly like the H.B. Paull translation, but appreciate the fact that this volume also features illustrations by T. Pym. These drawings are loaded with Victorian charm, but aren't as compelling as some other illustrators' versions. That said, the publisher claims that the book has been especially formatted for the Kindle Fire HD. I have a black and white Kindle Touch, and I can report that the book displayed well on that.So, you can download this Kindle freebie or step up to a classically illustrated version for a few dollars. Either way you will be well pleased.The Paull translation of this story has an elegant old-world sort of feel to it. It is not so old fashioned that it is hard to follow, but it is not like some of the modern versions that are inclined toward glibness in the service of action and narrative drive. The story line is clear enough, but the execution is dreamy and intentionally artificial. It can be too "weird" or ambiguous for some tastes, which is understandable, and the fairy tale/fable quest can be read as a simple adventure story or a parable crammed full of symbolism and deeper meaning. (This is very similar to how one reacts to books like "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe", which coincidentally, or perhaps not so coincidentally, also features a white witch and a snow covered land.)However you look at it, this is an inventive and imaginative tale that will entertain youngsters and invoke fond memories for many adult readers. (It's also a story that has been reworked in innumerable popular books, movies and and other forms, so it doesn't hurt to be familiar with it.) I have to admit I turned to it because it is a "classic" and because it was free, and I am very happy I acted on the temptation to download it.Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.

Very good. Not like the movie frozen though if that's what you're looking for. It was a very good book. A bit confusing sometimes but good.

Just had to read this fable on which Frozen was loosely based. My 25 year-old daughter and I watched the movie and when we got home we sat down and I read the story to her - as I read to her and her sister when they were little. The story has dark, strange parts to it, but so many of these old fables do. It was so interesting to read this classes together. It's different from the movie that you can't really compare them at all. Great quality text and pictures.

Very good story. I loved all of the adventures that Gerda had in each story and how her goodness preserved each obstacle she faced.

Classic to the end.

Short, but interesting and beautiful story. I use it to practice my English. However, it had many difficult words, but I could understand the story.

I love this book because of the most amazing picture ever .it is also so romantic too ! I hope you love it ot