Keeping in mind that this is a children’s book, I still feel this is an area whose dramatic effect could have been even more pronounced if it was explored a little more. As the questions and suspicions arise about the real nature of the monstrous forest creatures and the threats they pose, the threat of violence takes on a more immediate concern due to how it could impact the families involved. While thinking about how to start talking about this story, it really strikes me how real their mother’s grief is, and how that creates the lack of supervision which allows the girls the freedom to experience their story.Īs the story unfolds and the cast of characters find their places, one thing that works well is the conflict between the Huntsman and the forest animals. It is an effective setup because of what we know about these girls, we can’t help but wonder where the author will take our characters. The book opens with a simple exposition ending with this quote. Snow and Rose didn’t know they were living in a fairy tale-people never do.” “And the ending of that story is the beginning of this story. Finally, the clean, clear font choices, the lettering of the chapter headings, and the weight of the paper all say this is a book of which to be proud. Gold foil lettering stands out on the cover and spine, and you’ll enjoy the interior, introductory panels that open the book and the eye-catching illustrations that help pull you into the story while also pulling you away from it by their demand to be appreciated.

The page numbers have a little flair of their own the chapters begin and end artfully. They have a classic fairy tale look to them however, they also offer a bit of modern whimsy you may miss and won’t notice until you return to them, which you will, and inspect them more carefully. Emily Martin does a wonderful job with her illustrations. The production of this book, especially considering the book market today and that the book is published by a large publishing company, Random House, is absolutely fantastic, and nearly exquisite. It is the kind of book you will be proud to give as a gift a book you secretly hope someone slides off your bookshelf to admire. Snow & Rose, by Emily Winfield Martin, is nothing short of a pleasure.

Snow & Rose by Emily Winfield Martin