Reviewed by Rita Vetsch for Readers' Favorite

Breadcrumbs is an intriguing modern day fairy tale written by Anne Ursu and Erin Mcquire. Inspired by Hans Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” Hazel and Jack have a bond like no other and share a passion for fantasy. Soon, the dynamics of their unique friendship change, and Jack seems to drift away from Hazel after a precarious snowstorm shifts his world. Needing a drastic change in his life, Jack finds himself lured away by a mysterious ice witch, leaving Hazel behind to pick up the pieces. Hazel is devoted to Jack, and she decides to set out on a great adventure to rescue him. But as Jack drifts off further and further, he does not seem to want to be rescued. Hazel finds her inner courage and battles the elements while leaving a breadcrumb trail in search for Jack in the deep snowy forest. Their imaginations carry them away into a fantasy land with eminent danger, beautiful landscapes and in search for their true identities.

This mysterious and compelling children’s fairy tale is a must read for all older children. The cover of Breadcrumbs is truly eye catching and provides a great introduction into the story. The characters are all well developed and each contains great depth and mystery. Older children will be able to comprehend this story easily as they drift off into a fantasy land like no other. The modern day themes of divorce, depression, conformity, loss of friendship and not being able to fit in are brilliantly woven in. Children will be able to relate to this magical wonderland while also bringing away lessons they are able to grip in real life. This book brought me back to my childhood where believing in magic again felt wonderful and inspiring. I found myself so intertwined with the book that I could hardly set it down. This fast paced adventure is exciting and packed with twists and turns in each chapter. The lesson to come away with at the end is that friendships are special and not to be given up on. Being true to oneself is all we can strive for. Breadcrumbs is creativity and imagination at its best, and I recommend this brilliantly written fairytale for all older children as well as adults. Anne Ursu and Erin Mcquire do not disappoint in this truly unique story that I can easily see developed into a television series or a big screen motion picture.