The Festival of Ice and Snow
by Angie Cui Anna Wilson

Based on the author’s treasured childhood memories of attending the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China, this bilingual picture book is a spectacular celebration of family, cultural traditions and wintertime splendour.

Recommended age: 5 - 8

A$26.99

Ships on 4/08/2026

Overview

Every year, Grandpa takes us to the Festival of Ice and Snow – and every year, I can’t wait!

Two children and their beloved grandpa experience the wonder of Harbin’s Ice and Snow World, an enchanting place filled with super slides, tasty treats and huge ice sculptures illuminated by multicoloured lights.

Told in English and simplified Chinese, this picture book captures the fun of the winter festival and spending time with loved ones.

Details

Karys McEwen

‘This is probably my pick for picture book of the year so far! It’s quirky, and thoughtful, and completely charming.’

Cherie Bell, CBCA Reading Time

‘A great intro into discussions about diversity and inclusion ... great pictures and a layered story. This is one of my favourite [books] so far this year.’

Tamuz Ellazam, Readings

‘In 40 beautifully illustrated pages, take a journey to acceptance, pride and self-identity, embracing our differences (not being divided by them). I challenge any adult not to be immediately yanked back a couple of decades to feel the shrinking, blushing shame of an embarrassing parent, or to get a little misty-eyed at the lovely ending.’

Angie Cui

Angie Cui, originally from China, embarked on her Australian journey at age eighteen. She lives in Melbourne with her husband and two children, whom she calls the ‘ABC Family’ – a fusion of four individuals and three cultures (Australian, Bangladeshi and Chinese). Imbued with a profound appreciation for the linguistic richness within her family, Angie finds delight in weaving tales through various languages. Her aspiration is to craft narratives that resonate with children, enabling them to envision themselves within the stories they read. The Festival of Ice and Snow is her third picture book.

Anna Wilson

Anna was born in Australia’s Snowy Mountains, spent her childhood moving houses and schools, and then spent most of her adult life travelling the world. She is inspired by people and places and studied and worked with these concepts for a long time before embarking on a new career as a freelance designer and illustrator. She loves storms and snow and is happiest running in the mountains, drawing in the streets of new cities, or imagining up new characters and worlds. She has illustrated children’s books for Bloomsbury, Hachette UK, Little Tiger and Cameron Kids Books.