"The Winter Child reminds us of the profound importance of things we might take for granted: the changing of the seasons, the continued renewal of life. Terri Windling's writing combines the graceful flow of fairytale with wry characterizations and unexpected humor. Wendy Froud's charming art underscores the nature of the Old Oak Wood, coaxing us to come with her beyond the world we know." -Patricia McKillip, author of The Tower at the Stony Wood

"I love Sneezlewort Rootmuster Rowanberry Boggs the Seventh and have been checking my garden just in case he is sleeping under one of my crabapple trees. This second adventure of Sneezle & Co is even more satisfying than the first, full of charm, myth-stakes, wickedness, heroics--and a lost child." -Jane Yolen, author of The Fairies's Ring

"Terri Windling & Wendy Froud make magic together! Fans of Harry Potter will find new worlds to travel in, new wizards to intrigue them; and lovers of folk and fairy tale will rejoice in old friends in bright new garments." -Ellen Kushner, host of PRI’s Sound & Spirit

From Publishers Weekly:

Flawlessly conceived and exquisitely produced, this gentle fable unites two favorite fantasy themes, the quest for a precious object and a duel between Good and Evil. As a doll and puppet maker extraordinaire, Froud follows her earlier successes (The Dark Crystal; The Empire Strikes Back; etc.), with this gentle fable, written with compassion and occasional sly wit by five-time World Fantasy Award-winner Windling.

Beautifully designed by husband Brian Froud and handsomely photographed by Jones, the lovely illustrations evoke a beguiling faeryland where the real blends almost imperceptibly into make-believe. At the very bottom of Greenmoss Glen, deep in Old Oak Wood, the humble little furry tree root faery Sneezle dons his red holiday finery for King Oberon and Queen Titania's Midwinter Eve festival but Oberon's gold and amethyst cup goes missing on this too warm Midwinter Eve. Searching for Oberon's stolen cup, Sneezle and his engaging marsh thistle faery companion, Twig, find a mysterious baby hatching from a golden egg, then elude evil goblins sent by wizard-gone-wrong Malagan, whose wicked spell prevents Lady Winter from entering the land. When Malagan duels with Good Sorceress Tamaryst, Sneezle and Twig help right the mythic circle of the seasons, a graceful reenactment of Windling's familiar "the last shall be first" theme. Meshing seamlessly with her sensitive text, the photos of Froud's creations provide a delightful visual excursion into this land of childhood heart's desire.