THE SNOW QUEEN

Andersen’s lengthy, sentimental fairy tale receives respectful treatment in this handsome new edition, which hews closely to the original story. Lewis’s adaptation is vigorous, rendering the tale in a cozily familiar address without losing the stately flavor of the original: “The white cloak and cap were made of snow, and the driver—ah, she was a lady, tall and slender and dazzlingly white!” Birmingham’s paintings, snow- or sun-dappled according to the scene, have a Turner-esque quality that complements the period, presenting round-cheeked children and a soullessly beautiful Snow Queen in both intimate vignettes and expansive double-page spreads. (Illustrated fairy tale. 7-12)