The Fairy Tale Life of Hans Christian Andersen

by Eva Moore, Trina Schart Hyman (Illustrator)

A biography of the author of such tales as "Thumbelina," "The Ugly Duckling," and "The Princess and the Pea" describes his impoverished boyhood in Denmark, his dreams of becoming an entertainer, and his early career. Reissue.

Genres: Biography, Childrens

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[A. Mickey Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hans Christian Andersen was a great man who lived a beautiful life. This is a fascinating book.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of Hans Christian Andersen written for children. He had a difficult life because of poverty but he persevered until he became a famous and beloved author.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my friend Leona's classroom stash -- good children's bio of Andersen, focusing on Andersen's childhood. He comes across as a sensitive, melancholy child, who was affected by a comet appearing in the skies of Odense during his childhood. His parents were poor; Dad was a shoemaker who died young, and Mom was heartened when a "wise woman"/fortuneteller predicted fame for young Hans.

Hans loved acting and singing, but had a gangly, thin, awkward appearance and he never succeeded in that field. He quit school after being taunted by a cruel teacher, although he resumed his education later in Copenhagen, going to class with boys much younger.

He needed a way to earn money and began writing stories. His fairy tales were the most popular by far, although he did not feel these were his best. He did become famous as a writer. I would like to have learned more about his inspiration for various of his fairy tales, but that must wait for a future read --

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this as part of our study on fairytales. It was a great way to get some of the life story of this remarkable writer.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another childhood book that I re-read; it always makes me want to read a serious biography of Hans Christian Anderson. Then I move on the next book. :)