The Snow Princess (Ruth Sanderson Collection)

Gr 2-4-The Snow Princess of the title is the daughter of Father Frost and Mother Spring. She has the ability to call up snowstorms at will. As she grows older, she becomes increasingly curious about the outer world. Her parents give her permission to leave but caution her that she must not let love for a man enter her heart or she will not be safe from death. The Snow Princess revels with polar bears, reindeer and snowy owls, but she longs to see people. She meets Sergei, a young shepherd, and although she struggles against it, she falls in love with him. Her father reminds her in a dream that she must freeze her heart against him, and she calls up a mighty snowstorm to do so. However, when Sergei becomes lost in the storm, she knows she must find him, even if death is the result. Sanderson, Cinderella (Little Brown, 2002), does indeed have a way with words, and the story, based on a Russian opera, flows with the graceful ease of a traditional folktale. There is powerful imagery throughout, such as "At night, snowy owls cast blue black shadows as they glided above her in the moonlight." Sanderson's signature oil paintings, either on a full page or spreads, are saturated with blues in every possible hue, and the landscapes and clothing of the characters evoke the Russian countryside. VERDICT The length and complexity of the tale make it more appropriate for older elementary children, but it would be a lovely choice as the centerpiece of a winter-themed storytime.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

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