Description

‘A modern day classic. Full of heart and hope’ – Hannah Gold, bestselling author of The Last Bear

‘As unforgettable as Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen” . . . a whirlingly imaginative storyline full of wonder and hope as well as warning.’ – The Times

Shortlisted for the Sheffield Children’s Book Award
Shortlisted for The Week Junior Awards

M. G. Leonard’s story of a brave girl and her reindeer friend, who try to save her brother, is the perfect cosy winter read. The Ice Children is an exciting, modern, magical mystery adventure by the author of Beetle Boy, Adventures on Trains and the Twitchers series.

A sparkling, elegant homage to Hans Christian Andersen Illustrated in black and white throughout by Penny Neville-Lee.

At the stroke of midnight on the dawn of December, five-year-old Finn Albedo is found frozen on a pedestal of ice. His heart is beating, he is smiling, but no one can wake him.

Finn’s big sister, Bianca, suspects that the tall mysterious stranger who first discovered Finn knows more than they will admit? Bianca’s quest to discover the truth and rescue her little brother hurls her into a fantastical winter wonderland, full of beauty, danger and irresistible spirit animals, where all is not as it seems.

Publisher Review

This gripping adventure for 8+ is a sparkling, elegant homage to Andersen’s ‘The Snow Queen’, with a powerful conservationist slant. * The Guardian * Utterly Spellbinding — Phil Earle, author of When the Sky Falls As unique and precious as a snowflake, The Ice Children feels fresh and exciting, yet as timeless and magical as a classic. I have no doubt this book will be read and enjoyed for many generations to come – and may even help to change the world. — Jess French, author of the Beast Lands series I loved this! Weird and wonderful, packed full of peril and adventure, this wildly imaginative book is an absolute page-turner for both children and parents alike. A cracking and inspiring read written with real heart and passion. — Liz Hyder, author of Bearmouth Leonard is at her best in this this chilly adventure . . . Drawing on traditional tales such as The Snow Queen, this thrilling drama with a powerful environmental message is so shiveringly atmospheric that it will make you wish for snow * Daily Mail * A modern day classic. Full of heart and hope — Hannah Gold, bestselling author of The Last Bear Glittering adventure * The Independent * A perfect Christmas gift — Piers Torday, author of The Last Wild M. G. Leonard’s dazzling adventure story upends the snowglobe of familiar fairytales into a blizzard of delights: courageous children, adorable animals, a chilling threat and a passionate plea for the environment. A spectacular frostbitten fantasy destined to emerge as a future classic. — Sam Sedgman, author of The Clockwork Conspiracy A chip of the Andersen ice block . . . Revelling in the pleasures of snow and ice, and passionate about creatures associated with winter, this teaches us that love, nature and stories are powerful – and not to burn fossil fuels. — Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times Book of the Week * The Ice Children bursts with winter magic. It is vivid and glorious – a classic filled with heart. — Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha & The Spirit Bird As intricate and beautiful as a snowflake. M. G. Leonard has spun a magical masterpiece that children will love. — Maz Evans, author of Who Let the Gods Out? The Ice Children is written in her familiar quick-fire prose, and contains all the suspense that her readers have come to expect . . . Leonard’s skill is to capture some of the enchantment of Andersen’s fairy-tale, while creating a modern story that’s thoroughly her own. * The Daily Telegraph * Leonard’s talent for writing exciting mystery stories, combing with the mesmerising danger of Hans Christian Andersen’s original fairy tale, make this a compelling winter treat, full of jeopardy and excitement. There is a strong ecological message, too. — Charlotte Eyre * The Bookseller * As unforgettable as Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Snow Queen’ . . . a whirlingly imaginative storyline full of wonder and hope as well as warning. * The Times * Leonard’s quickfire prose creates a fairytale with a refreshingly modern feel * The Oldie * Ideal for curling up with on a frosty day * Woman’s Weekly * The heart tugs echo those which give the Hans Christian Andersen classic its emotional helft – the fragility of childhood, the lurking danger of the dark adult world and the enormous power of love and faith. * The Big Issue * The wintry setting, fairy tale inspiration and dynamic mystery story mean [The Ice Children] will make a wonderful gift. * The Bookseller * This book literally sparkles with winter magic. Like a snowflake, it is really one of a kind. * Mini Traveller blog * The Ice Children by M.G. Leonard takes The Snow Queen . . . readers will mainly relish the sense of magic, the magical world and the talking animals that protect the children there. * Books for Keeps * The importance of protecting the planet is driven home in this reimagining of The Snow Queen . . . Revelling in the pleasures of snow and ice, and passionate about creatures associated with
winter, this teaches us that love, nature and stories are powerful – and not to burn fossil fuels. * Lancashire Evening Post *