Desiree and the Snow Queen
Written by Marko Pejović
Suitable for ages 6+, but with lessons resonating far beyond childhood
Co-created with children in Serbia, Poland, Slovenia, Spain and India • refined through feedback from children internationally
Being different is what makes you unique!
Desiree, a girl with Down’s syndrome, listens to the fairy tale about the Snow Queen and thus finds the strength to fight for her friendship with a boy named Ethan.
Characters
Desiree
Desiree is a girl with slanted eyes, a flat nose, and what we call Down syndrome. Although she may appear different from other children, what really sets her apart from most is her heart. She feels deeply and can sense what others need, even from a single glance. Her genuine kindness cannot be frozen by even the greatest injustice, and her courage shines whenever someone is in trouble. With the guidance of her grandmother, Desiree realizes that what makes her different is actually her greatest strength, and that the coldest hearts are the ones who need the most love.
Ethan
Ethan is an extremely sweet, caring and intelligent boy and a very good friend. He wishes he could protect Desiree from any harm, but he can’t protect himself from his bullies. Although he falters at one point, Ethan soon learns what he has always known deep down, that friendship is stronger than fear or shame, and that there is great strength in apologizing and admitting a mistake.
Richard
Richard is a boy who hides his insecurities behind teasing and acting like a leader. He struggles with self-doubt and wishes he were stronger, taller and more admired by his peers. His bullying comes from everything he hasn’t learned to love about himself. Through the story, Desiree and Ethan show him that even those who hurt can learn, grow and change.
Grandma
Grandma is gentle, wise, and endlessly patient. She sees Desiree’s gifts and nurtures them with love and guidance. Instead of giving direct answers, she teaches Desiree to trust her heart, believe in her abilities, and act with courage. With her quiet wisdom, Grandma shows that emotional intelligence – the ability to feel, understand, and care -is a strength that can affect many.
The Bridge
The bridge connecting Desiree and Ethan’s homes is more than just a passage, it is a symbol of their friendship. It represents trust, resilience, and the journey they take together to overcome fear, peer pressure, and misunderstanding. Crossing it reminds them that connections built on care and courage can withstand any storm.
Themes
Kindness as strength
Desiree’s kindness is not a weakness, but her greatest strength. She sees beyond anger and teasing, she refuses to let cruelty belittle her, and her empathy teaches us that even those who hurt others are often hiding wounds of their own.
Belonging and identity
With her grandmother’s wisdom, Desiree learns that what makes her “different” is what makes her shine. Her story asks: what does it really mean to belong? To hide parts of yourself, or to be accepted for exactly who you are?