The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince; Ian Eagleton, illustrated by Davide Ortu

How far would you go for that special someone?

Deep in the forest, lonely woodcutter Kai carves statues for people to enjoy on Christmas Eve. Watching from the window of his cottage, he waits for passers-by but no one ever comes. Then one wintry night his loneliness is comforted with the arrival of the Snow Prince. Grandma’s tale warns of danger and darkness yet Kai sees a twinkle in the prince’s eyes. A twinkle that is worth following and fighting for. Will he be able to break the curse, free the Snow Prince from his icy prison and find a happily ever after...

​Love knows no bounds in a dreamy, diverse and inclusive fairytale. Gorgeously written and spectacularly illustrated, a thoroughly modern reworking - with gentle LGBTQ+ representation - of Hans Christian Andersen's classic The Snow Queen will cast a heartwarming and magical spell readers young and old.

Christmas is the time for hope, for kindness and for love, and The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince wraps these messages up in an enchanting wintry adventure. Sometimes you have to follow your heart and with his yearning for his friend, courageous Kai embarks on a spectacular quest from woodland cottage, through caves and across mountains, faces dark magic and monsters, before arriving at the ice palace. A beautiful and ambiguous ending leaves the reader to make up their own mind about the relationship between Kai and the Snow Prince. There really is no need to decide though, just enjoy that perseverance, determination and hope are enough to bring two people together.

All children deserve to feel seen and represented in the books they read and this is another stellar LGBTQ+ picture book to add to the collection. Especially lovely to share at Christmas but one that will ultimately be enjoyed throughout the year.

Recommended for 4+.