No one foresaw the juggernaut that Disney’s 2013 film Frozen was going to be. The magical tale of two sisters fighting for freedom and each other against an icy backdrop left children enraptured – and parents with frazzled nerves, having been forced to listen to the movie’s anthem ‘Let It Go’ over and over again.
If you have a Frozen lover at home and you’re in dire need of a break from ‘Do you wanna build a snowman?’, we’ve picked out a selection of stories perfect for moving young diehards' eyes from the screen to the page.
The Snow Merchant by Sam Gayton & Chris Riddell (2014)
Lettie Peppercorn definitely wouldn’t describe her life as exciting; nothing spectacular has ever happened to her. But one day, everything changes. It’s a winter’s night when her house on stilts near the coast of Albion receives a visitor. It is an old man who calls himself the Snow Merchant, and he claims to be the greatest alchemist who ever lived. In his suitcase he is carrying his latest invention – yep, you’ve guessed it: snow. Lettie doesn’t know it yet, but it’s an invention that is going to change her world forever. This journey of self-discovery is perfect for fans of Frozen.
Recommended reading age: 9-11 years old
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S. K. Ali & Hatem Aly (2020)
It’s Faizah’s first day at school and her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab. Asiya’s hijab is made of beautiful blue fabric, like the colours of the sea and sky. She looks like a princess to Faizah. But not everyone can see its beauty. Can Faizah find a way to be strong for her sister when she encounters hurtful comments from other children? Ibtihaj Muhammad, fencing medallist and the first American Muslim woman to compete in the Olympic Games whilst wearing a hijab, has written a beautifully uplifting book about staying strong in the face of adversity, being proud of your identity, and the unshakable bond between sisters.
Recommended reading age: 4-8 years old
What did you think of this article? Are there any other films or TV series your child is obsessed with? Email editor@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk and let us know.