3 stars (would be increased to 4 if I’d read the actual book rather than the audiobook, I think).
This is the perfect book for kids who love fairy tales and fairy tale retellings. It gets the feel just right. There’s enough woodsy darkness without being too scary for young children. There’s a tricksy gnome, a mysterious bear, a missing father, a woodland cabin, and a magical library without books.
I sometimes found myself a little bored as I listened due to a scattered plot and poor pacing at times, but I ultimately enjoyed the book, and it’s not long. I can’t be sure, but I think if I’d had the illustrations to enjoy, I would have been more patient with the book’s flaws, and the scales may have tipped more toward delight. I mean, look at this:
Snow & Rose would be a good read-aloud, even for very young listeners, since they’ll have pictures to look at while you’re reading. The illustrations really are part of the full experience of this book, so don’t be like me. Get the physical book.
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