When it's white outside and frosty stars sparkle in the black velvet of the sky, it's time to light candles and, wrapped in a blanket, pick up a book. Whoever you spend this cozy time with - with your family, with a furry friend or alone - a book will warm your heart and make you happier.
On New Year's Eve, fairy tale characters seem to come to life: in an eight-dollar apartment on the other side of the world, two lovers will become magi for each other and bring their love the most precious treasures. And somewhere, a brave little girl will go halfway around the world after her friend to melt the ice in his chest.
And certainly, just for you, there will be important words on the pages of a book, and a star in the sky.
In this New Year's set we have included the most touching winter stories: "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry - for the adult reader, and "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen - for children. However, these eternal stories are worth reading and listening to at any age.
"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
This Christmas story starts out as a touching tale of love: the main character lacks the precious coins to buy a gift worthy of her love for her husband. But O. Henry wouldn't be O. Henry if he didn't find a way out for her and make us smile through our tears. The magic of winter is that the happiness we give to our loved ones can't be found behind the glittering shop windows.
"The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen
One day, misfortune comes to the quiet, cozy house where the adopted brother and sister live: a shard of a magic mirror pierces the boy's heart, and the Snow Queen takes Kai, who has become cold, to her kingdom. In search of her brother, Gerda travels half the world: she meets a young prince and princess, ends up in the lair of forest robbers, and makes her way to the Snow Queen's castle. The girl will encounter many obstacles along the way, but Gerda's faithful heart will overcome all adversity.
This is one of Andersen's longest and most popular fairy tales. According to biographer Carol Rosen, the Snow Queen with her cold heart was based on Andersen's unrequited love for the opera singer Jenny Lind.
Recommended reader age: 5+
Author: O. Henry, Hans Christian Andersen
Artist: Natalya Travina, Galina Viktorovna Egorenkova
Translation: Zinoviy Lvovsky, Anna Vasilievna Ganzen
Year of issue: 2017
Publisher: Mann, Ivanov and Ferber
Pages: 104
Cover type: Hardcover
Dimensions: 274x209x28 mm
ISBN: 978-5-00100-923-8