Robert Giraud (1921-1997) was a French journalist and the author of over thirty books. Hélène Muller was born in Paris in 1957. The daughter of acclaimed illustrator Gerda Muller, Hélène studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and has illustrated numerous books for children.

'Tender, pastel illustrations of children and families playing in the snow and woods in different seasons bring this well-loved traditional tale of love and imagination to a new incarnation.'-- Children's Bookwatch, November 2014'This book is a gentle and beautiful re-telling of the story by Robert Giraud and illustrated by Helene Muller, and I am grateful to Floris for printing it. I really like the lyrical way the story is told, which makes it easy to read,and if you wish to simply tell the story in your own words the pictures support this too. In fact, the illustrations tell the story, just by themselves.'-- Kindling'We say... a magical tale about dreams coming true that makes a perfect Christmas read.'-- Creative Steps, Winter 2014'This outstanding, enduring and captivating tale by Robert Giraud has survived for a new generation and is set to work its magic, as an ideal bedtime story... Helene Muller, the French illustrator, adds a further dimension by breathing life into the characters and by embellishing the setting with the beautiful, young snow girl growing up on a farm, surrounded by animals. This is likely to appeal a young audience. The paintings of the characters are full of life and expression and stunning in their own way. This is a little piece of Russian history to be enjoyed.'Highly recommended.'-- Armadillo magazine