Frostfire

During a seasonal walk, foxes Celeste and big sister Miriam hear a “deep grumbling sound” that the older sibling confidently identifies as “the roar of a snow dragon.” As the pair continue their trek, Miriam alleges the beast’s attributes: the greedy beings are said to collect snowy “diamond dust,” and their fiery breath results in “frostfire” on windows. Remarking on the migrating creatures’ appetite for princesses, Miriam offers protection, but the younger sister reassures, “I’m not a princess... I am a queen. And I am very brave!”—fearlessness that comes in handy during a surprising encounter. Spray paint, watercolor, glitter, fabric, and digital techniques contribute to the soft glow present in MacKay’s sparkling photographs of mixed-media paper scenes. Clad in stylish coats, the delicate red foxes easily become the focal point of each enchanted spread in this imagination-fueled winter tale. Ages 3–7. (Oct.)