Synopsis
One wintry day, two children build a dog out of snow, and they play with him and love him just as if he were real. That night, the icy Frost King spies the dog and decides to make him his own. Together, they travel far and wide, but in his heart Snow Dog knows that no one loves him like the children. So he sets out to find his way home.
In the spirit of such classics as The Velveteen Rabbit, here is a magical, heartwarming story about the transformative power of love.
Publishers Weekly
"Made of snow crystals and icicles," the ethereal Frost King brings winter weather to a mountainous countryside. When a boy and girl build a dog out of snow, they "loved him as much as if he were real." The Frost King finds the snow dog, brings him to life, and takes him back to his ice palace, gently explaining: "like me, you are made of snow and ice.... we do not have hearts." But missing the children, the dog returns to their cottage, where their love turns him into a real dog. Border art, old-fashioned clothing, and folk-art style interior scenes contribute to the fairy tale atmosphere. Oddly, the Frost King, who resembles a playing card royal, ends up alone, but the tender conclusion remains gratifying. Ages 3 5. (Oct.)