The Snow Merchant
Age 9+
Fantasy & Magical Realism Adventure Stories General Fiction
Lettie Peppercorn lives in a house on stilts near the wind-swept coast of Albion. Nothing incredible has ever happened to her, until one winter's night.
The night the Snow Merchant comes.
He claims to be an alchemist - the greatest that ever lived - and in a mahogany suitcase, he carries his newest invention.
It is an invention that will change Lettie's life - and the world - forever.
It is an invention called snow.
Creators
Sam Gayton lives in South London.
In 2009 he completed the Writing for Young People MA at Bath Spa University. The Snow Merchant is his first book. He is also the author of Lilliput and Hercufleas.
He loves American novels, Italian food and the English countryside. When he's not writing, he likes playing old board games, strumming his guitar and joining as many rock bands as possible (currently at seven).
Reviews
A tale of self discovery, family and friendship…an inventive and accomplished debut.
Independent on Sunday
A delightful debut…full of action and invention.
Sunday Times
A germ of JK and a pinch of Pullman.
TES
A very promising debut novel from Gayton, full of fairytale and fun, which should appeal to Lemony Snicket fans.
Daily Mail
A quirky and very inventive debut; filled with exotic characters and quite a lot of charm.
Editor's Choice, Children's Books Ireland
The Snow Merchant is exhilarating, entertaining and original, bursting with ideas.
Books for Keeps, Book of the Month
Beautifully old-fashioned storytelling weaves a hugely imaginative tale of alchemy, family and snow in this quirky debut novel.
The Bookseller
One of our key recommends for festive reading. A perfect book to share as a family.
The Bookseller
A gripping debut.
LoveReading4Kids
A most fantastical story, not dissimilar to Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. One can look forward to more books graced by Tomislav Tomic’s illustrations.
THE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN
A future classic.
Slightly Foxed
Wildly imaginative fantasy adventure.
Booktrust
This story is truly original, rich in imagination and charm, and it will captivate readers well above its apparent target group. It’s curious, really: how can a book about snow leave such a lasting impression of warmth behind?
The BookBag, 5 stars
A fast-paced tale of alchemy, adventure and magic.
Country Life, Best Children's Books for Christmas
The Snow Merchant is astounding in its imagination and creativity. I don’t think it will be long before he becomes one of the most treasured children’s authors.
Blogcritics
The most imaginative tale I’ve read in a very long time.
Literary Loves
Unique and original (5 stars)
Waterstone's Read and Review
A modern day fairy tale (with) all the classic ingredients which go to make great story-telling – a strong storyline, heroes and villains, a touch of humour and a heartwarming theme.
Parents in Touch
A beautiful modern day fairytale . . . I absolutely loved this story! (5 stars)
Waterstone's Read and Review
I would recommend this to anyone who likes to read out loud to their children – this is just perfect for curling up together and sharing a story (5 stars)
Waterstone's Read and Review
Made me want to turn every page. I was very disappointed when it was all over . . .Thoroughly recommended. (5 stars)
Waterstone's Read and Review
Wonderfully quirky and fast-paced; just what you would hope for in a good fantasy! (5 stars)
Waterstone's Read and Review
I liked this book…it’s interesting and enticing. I would recommend the story to ten to thirteen year-olds.
Waterstones Read and Review
Fantastic characters that come to life off the page. (I) will be buying this for lots of family members for Christmas!
Waterstones Read and Review
Grandparents, this is the book to give your grandkids for Christmas – especially if they’re coming to stay!
Waterstones Read and Review
A fantastic fantasy tale… totally absorbing. A great read at any age.
Waterstones Read and Review
This book allows you to lose yourself in a world that is just a little different from our own…(it) reminded me of the ‘Northern Lights’ trilogy.
Waterstones Read and Review
A complex yet easy to follow story, The Snow Merchant is interspersed with stunning illustrations, beautiful fonts and chapter headings. A gorgeously written and produced novel, this lovely tale by Sam Gayton can do no wrong in my eyes.
Keepcalmandreadabook Blog
An inspiration to all budding writers.
Books for Keeps, Jeremy Becker, Year 6 Pupil
An imaginative read combining fairytale characters with an exhilarating quest.
Scottish Book Trust
Beautifully crafted story. Brimming with atmosphere and enchantment. Both fantastical and profound.
Springboard Stories
Wiildly imaginative fantasy adventure.
Booktrust
I would recommend this to anyone who likes to read out loud to their children – this is just perfect for curling up together and sharing a story (5 stars)
Waterstone's Read and Review
This story is truly original, rich in imagination and charm, and it will captivate readers well above its apparent target group. It’s curious, really: how can a book about snow leave such a lasting impression of warmth behind?
The Bookbag, 5 Stars
I liked this book…it’s interesting and enticing. I would recommend the story to ten to thirteen year-olds.
Waterstone's Read and Review
Fantastic characters that come to life off the page. (I) will be buying this for lots of family members for Christmas!
Waterstone's Read and Review
Grandparents, this is the book to give your grandkids for Christmas – especially if they’re coming to stay!
Waterstone's Read and Review
A fantastic fantasy tale… totally absorbing. A great read at any age.
Waterstone's Read and Review
This book allows you to lose yourself in a world that is just a little different from our own…(it) reminded me of the ‘Northern Lights’ trilogy.
Waterstone's Read and Review
A complex yet easy to follow story, The Snow Merchant is interspersed with stunning illustrations, beautiful fonts and chapter headings. A gorgeously written and produced novel, this lovely tale by Sam Gayton can do no wrong in my eyes.
Keepcalmandreadabook Blog
A modern day fairy tale (with) all the classic ingredients which go to make great story-telling – a strong storyline, heroes and villains, a touch of humour and a heartwarming theme.
Parents in Touch
