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Kate Greenaway's Original Drawings for The Snow Queen

Hans Christian Andersen; T. Pym; Laura Barrett; Geraldine McCaughrean; Julia Whelan; Bagram Ibatoulline; Natacha Godeau; Sanna Annukka; Chris Baker; Daniela Terrazzini · 1960

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Kate Greenaway's Original Drawings for The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen; T. Pym; Laura Barrett; Geraldine McCaughrean; Julia Whelan; Bagram Ibatoulline; Natacha Godeau; Sanna Annukka; Chris Baker; Daniela Terrazzini. This book is recommended for ages 7+; content notes include Frightening scenes, Violence, Death of a character; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? The story has emotionally intense separation, frightening supernatural imagery, threatening adults, abduction, and peril. Its language and themes are manageable for many children around seven, especially with support. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Death of a character1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

There is a general sense of past loss or separation, but no graphic depictions.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

The language is classic, formal, and age-appropriate.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Contains brief, traditional references to faith characteristic of 19th-century literature.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The Snow Queen, an evil mirror, dangerous journeys, captivity, robbers, and harsh winter settings can be frightening for younger children.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief moments of mild peril and conflict typical of classic fairy tales.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Gerda repeatedly faces danger and uncertainty with determined, compassionate courage rather than giving up.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Its imaginative world of enchanted objects, talking creatures, magical realms, and inventive folklore strongly stimulates fantasy and creative thought.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The original work lacks modern diversity, though it is a classic European fairy tale.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Introduces children to classic literature and themes of emotional intelligence.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Care, generosity, hospitality, and concern for a friend are important forces in the plot and help enable the rescue.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Love, loyalty, perseverance, courage, and compassion overcome isolation and harmful enchantment; friendship is presented as transformative.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Gerda is devoted, brave, compassionate, and persistent, though several frightening or morally mixed adults complicate the story.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Kate Greenaway's Original Drawings for The Snow Queen would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Kate Greenaway's Original Drawings for The Snow Queen, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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