The Snow Girl - Sophie Anderson

 

Tasha and her parents have recently moved to her grandpa's farm to help him whilst he recovers from a long illness.  Tasha is enjoying helping out but is feeling lonely on her own.  When the snow starts to fall, she is excited and rushes out to experience it for the first time and she and her grandpa build their very own snow girl.  Feeling lonely since she arrived at the farm, Tasha wishes that the snow girl would come to life and when her wish comes true, she discovers a whole new world.  She and the snow girl become best friends, and every night, Tasha sneaks out of the house and into a world of magic and adventure.  However, the longer they spend together, the harsher the winter gets for everyone else in the valley.  Life becomes incredibly difficult and Tasha knows she needs to do something but doesn't know if she has the strength or the courage to do it. 

Inspired by the Russian folk tale, The Snow Maiden, The Snow Girl is a beautifully told story where description and action weave together perfectly to create a world of magic and wintery adventure that will undoubtedly become a classic in its own right in time.  

It is clear that Tasha has undergone a difficult time before she arrived at her grandpa's and it is this that is holding her hostage in the grounds of the farm.  The description of her anxiety is sensitively written but will show children that they are not alone in feeling this way.  The security of her family and the familiarity of the farm help to ease Tasha, although we see that she wants to make friends with the local children.  When Alyana arrives, she gives Tasha the friendship and confidence she craves which, in turn, allows her to venture beyond the boundaries.  Whilst Tasha feels free with Alyana, the consequences become clear as winter's grip tightens its hold on the valley. The relationship between Tasha and her grandpa is clearly a strong one where their love of folk tales evident and it's not until her grandpa becomes very ill again that Tasha realises she needs to act, but even then, she finds it hard.  

The Snow Girl is a beautifully woven tale of finding friends, being brave and knowing when to do the right thing.  It will envelop you in its swirling flakes and hold you captive until the end.  Publishing on the 26th October, it will be the perfect read with a mug of hot chocolate whilst snuggled under a blanket, and will be a book readers will want to return to year after year.