Synopsis

It’s winter, 1683, and the Great Frost has swept into London.

By day, thirteen-year-old Thomasina and her friend Anne peddle sweets on the frozen river, hearing rumors of the magical Frost Fair that awakens there at night. They say if you can find it, Father Winter himself will grant any wish you have.

And Thomasina has an impossible wish: the return of her twin brother, whose death left her family fractured.

But once they discover Father Winter’s icy kingdom, Thomasina and Anne quickly realize the Frost Fair isn’t exactly what it seems… and that some wishes never come for free.

Review

This book is so heart-warming, it would thaw the Grinch’s heart!

Combining adventure, friendship and magic, The Frost Fair is a fast-paced, sweet treat of a book. It’s quite dark at the beginning, but the sense of place, plot and people work so well together, that it will delight all manner of children.

Set in the 17th century, the Thames has frozen – something I for one longed to see when I was small – and markets are taking place. Hastings has managed to capture the historical side of the story really well, ensuring that readers learn what it was like to live during this time. At the same time, the chilling story underneath the tale of friendship provides enough peril to keep young readers entertained.

Let’s face it – there are dancing bears, other-worldly beings and a lot of sweets! What’s not to like?

Featuring beautiful illustrations from Alex Smith, this should be a guaranteed winter classic.

Thanks to Harper Collins and Tina Mories for my proof copy. Opinions my own.