The Swan Princess

by Hans Christian Andersen, Jenny Press (Illustrator)

Eleven brothers who have been turned into swans by their evil stepmother are saved by their beautiful sister, Princess Elisa.

Genres: Classics, Childrens, Fairy Tales, Picture Books, Literature, Animals, Fantasy

64 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2005

About the author

Hans Christian Andersen (often referred to in Scandinavia as H.C. Andersen) was a Danish author and poet. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales. Andersen's popularity is not limited to children; his stories — called eventyr, or "fairy-tales" — express themes that transcend age and nationality.

Andersen's fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125 languages, have become culturally embedded in the West's collective consciousness, readily accessible to children, but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well. Some of his most famous fairy tales include "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling", "The Nightingale", "The Emperor's New Clothes" and many more. His stories have inspired plays, ballets, and both live-action and animated films.

Reviews

[Canette Arille · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW! This is so beautiful. Fantastic book for children. I loved it in my childhood and read this everyday before going to sleep. This Princess trying to break spell over her brothers, to they could become a human again. The book teaching that good always triumphs over evil

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a child and i still love it as a teen. Its an amazing book about a princess.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book for two reasons: 1. Cause there is a princess in it. 2. There's swans in it. oh, wait! i just thought of another idea why I like it! She sews, but not with a string and needle. She sews with pine needles.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I'm not familiar with the hans Christian Anderson story, so idk if the retelling is close to the original or not. If you're expecting it to be like the movie - it definitely is not. Illustrations are lovely though the children age and they don't really look like it.

[Lena Thurber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still read this when I need a sweet, comforting story with beautiful artwork, even though I’m in college.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read, its based on the original and I haven't read the original so I don't know how much was changed or whether this story had some parts better or some parts worse. I have seen the Disney animated film but that is completely different. My favourite part of this story were Eliza and her brothers, they were all very kind and loving towards each other and I love stories with strong family bonds. I was aggravated however with their father who allowed himself to be tricked by their evil stepmother, the king who fell in love with Eliza for not really trying to save her and at one point Eliza herself for not being able to do something to rescue herself.

Still its a very short story geared towards readers much younger than myself and I believe for the length of the book it told the story well with beautiful illustrations.

[Shelly Koressel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Princess Eliza and her brothers are perfectly happy- until their father marries a woman who is secretly a witch. Determined to get rid of the children, the witch turns the brothers into swans. But Eliza is harder to deal with. This book follows her as she sets our to undo the spell, in this retelling of of classic fairy tale.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always have enjoyed Hans Christen Andersen!

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely illustrated version of the classic Hans Christian Andersen book. I think we've read this one before and our girls really enjoy the story.

[Deanna Sutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read the "real" Swan Princess before because this story was really different that what I thought. (good different)

[Mashi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually,I watched the film.I liked it but not more than the Little Memaid or the others...

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Quite a short book but really good. It's based on The Wild Swans by Hans Christian Andersen. Excellent introduction to classic novels and fairytales for the junior reader

[Ginnie Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such beautiful wording and artwork in this edition

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, and well written. The pictures are nicely presented too. I would recommend this book for anyone who has a little girl.