The Snow Queen

I haven't seen the movie Frozen yet.  Charlotte has and loved it- she's 5, so of course!  I know Disney always changes the fairy tales and this one doesn't even remotely resemble Andersen's classic.  Which is too bad since Madeleine and I have always said that the story of a young girl, "Gerda" facing danger and meeting all sorts of magical adventures to save her friend, "Kai" would make a good children's movie, and a nice departure from the "princess" stories.

We have the original story by Anderson which was mailed to Madeleine by her friend Hayley years ago.  How fun to have a book sent to you this way!

 The Snow Queen and Other Tales

Hans Christian Andersen

A Greeting Card Book 1969

Gerda and Kai are children, and the best of friends.  But one day Kai hitches his sled to the back of the Snow Queen's sleigh and in no time he is wisked away from his home, forgetting all about Gerda.  Gerda then goes in search of her playmate.  She gets help from the river and flowers and animals, she meets an old woman who tries to keep her as her own and a young prince and princess who aid her in her search.  At one point a band of robbers captures her and she is saved and befriended by a little robber-maid.  Off on a reindeer she heads to the most northern place to find the Snow Queen's palace.  When she finally finds Kai, he is like ice and only Gerda's love and kisses melt his heart and bring him back. 

 The Snow Queen

Hans Christian Andersen

translated by Marlee Alex

Illustrated by Uwe Hantsch 1988

 

We also have an illustrated version that uses the story as a basis for teaching biblical values.  There is a "study key" in the back that applies scripture verses to the themes of the story.  And the introduction writes:  "From his early childhood in the town of Odense, Denmark, until his death in Copenhagen, Hans Christian Andersen had a valid Christian faith that manifested itself in many of the approximately 150 stores and tales he wrote.  In one of them, he said:  'In every human life, whether poor or great, there is an invisible thread that shows we belong to God.'  The thread in Andersen's stories is one of optimism which has given hope and inspiration to people all over the world."

I just think the pictures in this edition are pretty wild!

 The Snow Queen

Eileen Kernaghan 2000

In the Young Adult genre is Eileen Kernaghan's retelling of the Snow Queen.  She does a wonderful job of really developing Gerda's character and building a story with the robber-girl that she befriends (Kernaghan names her "Rivka").   And the story becomes about the angst of growing up and finding out who you are, what you are capable of.  It's a bit different in spirit from the original, but still retains the magic and fantasy of the story.  I really loved it and have been trying to get Madeleine to read it because I think she would too.   

Follow the Dream

Another book about Christopher Columbus before "Columbus Day" comes to an end.

Follow the Dream

The Story of Christopher Columbus

Peter Sis 1991

 This one by Peter Sis has really interesting illustrations. They are full of details and symbolism that compliments the story of Columbus' life. Sis writes in the beginning that he was inspired to make this book because he grew up behind the Iron Curtain and he liked the idea that the "wall" of fear didn't hold Columbus back.

Another wonderful feature of this book is the page that provides some thought provoking questions about the pictures and why they were drawn the way they were.

Other books about Christopher Columbus:

Columbus

Lights Out

We lost power last night for about 4 hours. Which meant cereal for dinner and washing dishes by candlelight.

Lights Out

Aurthur Geisert 2005

This fun book was one of Henry’s favorites. Must have something to do with the complicated Rube Goldberg-esk pictures. Henry likes to draw very intricate illustrations (mostly of weapons and robots and elaborate hotels). He also likes to build contraptions- though nothing as detailed as this invention that little pig rigs up so that his light doesn’t go out until he’s asleep. When I would "read” this (the only text is on the first page) Henry would meticulously follow the steps in the pictures.