A fresh new translation of one of the world's best and most inspiring fairy talesWhen Kay is cursed by a magic mirror, he can no longer perceive goodness in anything - not his best friend Gerda, nor the roses in the garden.

One wintry evening, he is kidnapped by the wicked Snow Queen and swept away to live for ever in her kingdom of ice.Friendless and shoe-less, Gerda must travel through inhospitable lands, with only crows to guide her and bandits for company, in order to find her beloved friend. And when she gets there, how will she melt the ice in his heart?Nearly two centuries after its first publication, The Snow Queen endures as a tale of love and loss, good and evil, and loyalty in the face of great hardships.Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) is one of the best-loved tellers of fairy tales.

He was born in Odense, Denmark, the son of a poor shoemaker.

The king helped to pay for his education, enabling him to become a short-story writer, novelist and playwright.

Hans Christian Andersen remains best known for his fairy tales, which include The Red Shoes, The Emperor's New Clothes, The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling.