This gripping adventure for 8+ is a sparkling, elegant homage to Andersen's 'The Snow Queen', with a powerful conservationist slant. * The Guardian * Leonard is at her best in this this chilly adventure . . . Drawing on traditional tales such as The Snow Queen, this thrilling drama with a powerful environmental message is so shiveringly atmospheric that it will make you wish for snow * Daily Mail * The Ice Children is written in her familiar quick-fire prose, and contains all the suspense that her readers have come to expect . . . Leonard's skill is to capture some of the enchantment of Andersen's fairy-tale, while creating a modern story that's thoroughly her own. * The Daily Telegraph * Glittering adventure * The Independent * The Ice Children bursts with winter magic. It is vivid and glorious - a classic filled with heart. -- Jasbinder Bilan As intricate and beautiful as a snowflake. M. G. Leonard has spun a magical masterpiece that children will love. -- Maz Evans Leonard's talent for writing exciting mystery stories, combing with the mesmerising danger of Hans Christian Andersen's original fairy tale, make this a compelling winter treat, full of jeopardy and excitement. There is a strong ecological message, too. -- Charlotte Eyre * The Bookseller * Utterly Spellbinding -- Phil Earle As unforgettable as Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Snow Queen' . . . a whirlingly imaginative storyline full of wonder and hope as well as warning. * The Times * Leonard's quickfire prose creates a fairytale with a refreshingly modern feel * The Oldie * As unique and precious as a snowflake, The Ice Children feels fresh and exciting, yet as timeless and magical as a classic. I have no doubt this book will be read and enjoyed for many generations to come - and may even help to change the world. -- Jess French Ideal for curling up with on a frosty day * Woman's Weekly * M. G. Leonard's dazzling adventure story upends the snowglobe of familiar fairytales into a blizzard of delights: courageous children, adorable animals, a chilling threat and a passionate plea for the environment. A spectacular frostbitten fantasy destined to emerge as a future classic. -- Sam Sedgman The wintry setting, fairy tale inspiration and dynamic mystery story mean [The Ice Children] will make a wonderful gift. * The Bookseller * I loved this! Weird and wonderful, packed full of peril and adventure, this wildly imaginative book is an absolute page-turner for both children and parents alike. A cracking and inspiring read written with real heart and passion. -- Liz Hyder This book literally sparkles with winter magic. Like a snowflake, it is really one of a kind. I loved the blend of eco-message (around saving winter and our beautiful Earth), creepiness seeping into your bones like ice, beauty, danger, mystery and excitement, all wrapped up within the pages of one hardback book. The illustrations were stunning, adding to the icy atmosphere and overall feel of the book. It's got that unique quality where the reader is mesmerised by the danger ahead but, much like the original story of The Snow Queen, they just can't help themselves from plunging headlong into the snowstorm of adventure. It's a triumph. As chilling as an icicle yet it will melt your heart at the same time. * Mini Traveller blog * The Ice Children by M.G. Leonard takes The Snow Queen as inspiration, as children, first one then more and more, are found frozen though still alive. Desperate to save her little brother Finn and her friends, Bianca risks her own life and enters the magical world where they are being held. Environmental themes are at the heart of this too, though readers will mainly relish the sense of magic, the magical world and the talking animals that protect the children there. * Books for Keeps * A perfect Christmas gift * Piers Torday * The heart tugs echo those which give the Hans Christian Andersen classic its emotional helft - the fragility of childhood, the lurking danger of the dark adult world and the enormous power of love and faith. * The Big Issue * The importance of protecting the planet is driven home in this reimagining of The Snow Queen . . . Revelling in the pleasures of snow and ice, and passionate about creatures associated with winter, this teaches us that love, nature and stories are powerful - and not to burn fossil fuels. * Lancashire Evening Post *

M.G. Leonard books have been translated into over forty languages and won many awards. She is the vice president of the insect charity Buglife, and a founding author of Authors4Oceans. She lives in Brighton with her husband, two sons, a fat cat called Kasper, a dog called Nell, and a variety of exotic beetles. Penny Neville-Lee studied MA Painting at the Royal College of Art. Penny is inspired by small people, bright colours, a blank page and newly sharpened pencils. She lives in Manchester with her two children, husband and very adventurous cat.