Hans Christian Andersen's greatest tale is stunningly illustrated by award-winning artist P. J. Lynch in this special, glittering hardback gift edition. When Kay's eye and heart are pierced by a tiny shard of glass, he becomes mean and cruel, even to his best friend Gerda. But when the Snow Queen carries Kay off to live with her in a world of ice and snow, Gerda goes after him, determined to bring her friend back, no matter what strange adventures lie in her path... This classic story of friendship and goodness triumphing over evil is stunningly illustrated by the beloved, award-winning Irish illustrator P J Lynch in this beautiful, glittering hardback Christmas gift edition. 'Beautiful.' TIMES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT 'P J Lynch's illustrations overlay photographic realism with decorative fantasy, expressing the fear, passion and beauty of the story.' SUNDAY TIMES

"Beautiful." * T.E.S. *
"P J Lynch's illustrations overlay photographic realism with decorative fantasy, expressing the fear, passion and beauty of the story." * The Sunday Times (Culture) *
"Dreamy illustrations by P.J. Lynch. A perfect family Christmas read aloud." * The Bookbag *
"A long, mysterious fantasy, lyrically retold in this version and handsomely illustrated in full-blown romantic style." * Booklist *
"Brilliantly done...a handsome book that could easily become beloved." * School Librarian *

Hans Christian Andersen (Author) Hans Christian Andersen (1805 - 1875) was a Danish author and poet, most famous for his fairy tales. Among his best-known stories are The Snow Queen, The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, The Little Match Girl, The Ugly Duckling and The Red Shoes. During Andersen's lifetime he was feted by royalty and acclaimed for having brought joy to children across Europe. His fairy tales have been translated into over 150 languages and continue to be published in millions of copies all over the world and inspired many other works. P J Lynch (Illustrator) P J Lynch was born in Belfast in 1962, the youngest of five children. He studied illustration at Brighton College of Art (where he was tutored by Raymond Briggs). He has won numerous prizes, including the Mother Goose Award and the Kate Greenaway Award. He now lives in Dublin.