Gammy's Snow Queen

Gammy & the Snow Queen, we earnestly hope, will be the first in a series written by Esther R. Reaves for her grandchildren--as well as for children and grandchildren everywhere! In many cities and towns around the world, taking little ones to see Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is an annual event. Excitement whirls around each performance, whether city or town, with local children always featured prominently in the ballet. There is a special longing to see the magic of the holidays reflected in the eyes of the youngest members of the family and a special joy getting dressed up for attendance at the holiday performance--jaunty velveteen suits for boys, and twirling, beribboned taffeta or velvet dresses for girls. For grandmothers, many dreams for their little ones are reflected in the magic of these moments.

In Gammy & the Snow Queen, Ms. Reaves tells a story that embodies the love of an archetypical grandmother, one who not only hopes to project her own confidence into the future, but to express the depth and reach of her dreams for her granddaughter. Truly, the grandmother's dream is the story that lies behind the frenetic attendance at so many performances of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker every year. "You dance with all the beauty and grace of any ballerina. You can be everything that you want to be," the grandmother's dream affirms. "I know, because I know you, and I believe in you with all my heart."
In her daily work, Ms. Reaves coordinates many staff and volunteers. So, too, this children's book represents collaboration between Ms. Reaves and her granddaughter Kristen Yeung who provided the engaging illustrations (and direct inspiration), and with Linda Turbyville, a writer and friend, who has contributed her editing skill to the project. Enjoy! Happy Holidays!