King Alfred and the Ice Coffin

Previous collaborators Crossley-Holland and Riddell (Arthur, the Always King) reteam in this mythic reimagining of pre-Arthurian legend. Desiring for his people “to be able to read and hear great books in their own language,” King Alfred of Wessex translated tales of ancient cultures from Latin to English. He soon began recording the stories of his own people, one of which the author retells here. Unembellished prose details King Alfred’s meeting with a traveler who had “a tale to tell,” and Riddell’s richly expressive illustrations, initially in sepia tones, shift to moody indigo as visitor Wulfstan of Ravenscar spins a story of shipwreck, adventure, and romance for the host’s court. Following a violent storm, rendered in vivid and strikingly impressionistic artwork, Wulfstan and his crew are stranded among an unfamiliar but welcoming people. After the passing of a local town headman, the visitors are introduced to the peoples’ customs, including the titular ice coffin, used as a means of preserving the recently deceased, and a treasure hunt that spells love for the narrator. Finely wrought drawings elevate this short story-within-a-story that exemplifies the sort of fable King Alfred sought to preserve. All characters are white. Ages 10–up. Author’s agent: Jessica Hare, the Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Philippa Milnes-Smith, Soho Agency. (Nov.)