The Way Past Winter
By Author / Illustrator
Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Genre
Adventure
Age range(s)
11+
Publisher
Chicken House Ltd
ISBN
9781911077930
Format
Hardback
Published
04-10-2018
Synopsis
From the bestselling author of THE GIRL OF INK & STARS comes a gorgeous wintry folk tale for young and old alike - an exciting adventure to the frozen north, perfect for fans of Philip Pullman. 'This gorgeous story of bravery, sisterhood, goodbyes and beginnings is a must for everyone.' JESSIE BURTON'The Way Past Winter is a masterclass in exquisite storytelling.' CATHERINE DOYLE'Gorgeous, heartfelt and incredibly exciting. Her best yet, and that's saying something.' ROBIN STEVENSMila and her sisters live with their brother Oskar in a small forest cabin in the snow. One night, a fur-clad stranger arrives seeking shelter for himself and his men. But by the next morning, they've gone - taking Oskar with them. Fearful for his safety, Mila and her sisters set out to bring Oskar back - even it means going north, crossing frozen wild-lands to find a way past an eternal winter.
Reviews
Emily
This story sparkles like sunlight on freshly fallen snow. It will transport you to a forested land of never-ending winter where Mila and her sisters, having already lost their parents, wake to discover that their brother Oskar has vanished. Before long it becomes apparent that he is far from the only boy to have disappeared . Mila is convinced that their disappearance has something to do with the mysterious and strangely terrifying stranger that called at their home in the dead of night. The adventure that follows will sweep you up like an arctic blizzard and will hold you in its icy grasp until the very last page. The language is beautifully lyrical, the characters are compelling and the setting wildly magical. I devoured this one in a single joyous sitting and the only thing that would have made it more perfect would have been to have read it, not on a blustery autumn day, but in the depths of winter beside a crackling fire. And if this review has not yet convinced you to read it, then I urge you to hold this book in your hands for it truly is a thing of beauty. From the wonderfully Nordic style cover and endpapers by Helen Crawford-White to the ribbon page marker and short chapters with plenty of white space on the page (something many of my readers particularly appreciate), it will be the answer to many a Christmas shopper's prayers. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Father Christmas himself had put in a bulk order. 256 pages / Recommended for ages 9-13 / Reviewed by Emily Marcuccilli, School Librarian-
Suggested Reading Age 11+