Opening this book felt like stepping into a winter wonderland from my childhood. The moment I touched the pages, that familiar old-book smell hit me—just like I remembered. Mary Engelbreit's illustrations are breathtaking, capturing both the magic and eerie beauty of Andersen's tale.

I love how this edition stays true to the original dark, mystical story (very different from Disney's Frozen!). The haunting image of the Snow Queen peering through frosted windows still gives me chills—just as it did when my grandmother first read it to me decades ago.

The oversized format makes the artwork shine, though I did notice one quirk: many illustrations span across center spreads, making it tricky to read aloud while kids study the pictures simultaneously. We've made it work by pausing at each gorgeous spread—my niece especially loves spotting hidden details in the enchanted gardens and frozen landscapes.

While some might find the vocabulary advanced for younger kids (I'd recommend age 8+), there's something profoundly moving about how Gerda's journey mirrors growing up. Seeing my nephew's wide-eyed wonder when we reached the Lapland chapters reminded me why fairy tales endure across generations.

Pro tip: This makes an extraordinary gift—the clothbound cover feels luxurious, and watching a child experience these hauntingly beautiful illustrations for the first time is priceless. Just be prepared for requests to reread it 'one more time' every bedtime!