Happy Birthday, Hans Christian Andersen! by Marjorie R. Hancock

Preschool through elementary school

n April 2, 1805, in a quaint life a fairy tale, and many of his stories On August 4, 1875, at the age of cottage on a cobblestone reveal aspects of his own experiences in 70, H. C. Andersen died. Loved by Ostreet in Odense, Denmark, some guise. writers, revered in his homeland, and the master of the fairy-tale genre was As Andersen gained fame for his honored all over the world, Andersen born—Hans Christian Andersen. As charming storytelling, he became a was nevertheless melancholy for most the bicentennial of his birth draws frequent dinner guest of royal heads of his life. Yet his legacy remains, as near, it seems appropriate to revisit of Europe, who enjoyed his company every children’s book with personified, his early life, his personal and profes- and his tales. Translated into more nonhuman characters is, in some way, sional struggles, his lifelong pursuit of than 100 languages, Andersen’s stories descended from Andersen’s tales. His fame, and his ultimate rec- trademark themes reveal that sad- ognition as an international ness can be lightened by unex- celebrity and creator of more pected happiness at the end of a than 150 fairy tales. To read journey or the close of a tale. the tales of H. C. Andersen (as he is known in Denmark) is to discover the joys and disappointments of his own Artist Joel Stewart depicts fairy-tale life and to hear his the master storyteller in distinctive storytelling voice. Tales of Hans Christian As a penniless child, Hans Andersen, edited by was a loner—busy read- Naomi Lewis. ing, listening to his father’s stories, singing, and play- ing with his toy theater. Often tormented by bullies, young Hans stayed away from school. At age 17, he The 200th anniversary of was sent to a Latin school Andersen’s birth is a perfect time outside the city and was put to introduce his timeless trea- in a class with 11-year-olds, sures to yet another generation of where he developed his writ- listeners and readers. The follow- ing and language skills. ing anthologies and picture-book In 1835 Andersen pub- retellings will rekindle recognition lished his first four fairy of his effortless gift of language, tales in a paper booklet: The Princess found readers far from his homeland. the hardships experienced by his and the Pea, The Tinderbox, Little He traveled extensively throughout characters, and the potential joy and Claus and Big Claus, and Little Ida’s Europe and met Charles Dickens, surprise in life—the most beautiful Flowers. These original tales became Felix Mendelssohn, and the Brothers fairy tale of all. Featuring Andersen’s enormously popular. Nye Eventyr Grimm, all of whom respected him as original texts as well as retellings by (New Fairy Tales), published in 1845, a literary genius. Despite this recogni- contemporary authors and illustrators, included The Ugly Duckling and The tion, he remained plagued by insecu- the books below are a tribute to this Nightingale. Andersen often called his rity and self-doubt for most of his life. master of the fairy-tale genre.

6 B o o k L i n k s M a r c h 2 0 0 5 Collections are faithful in tone to those accom- panying the original publication of Andersen, H. C. The Complete Fairy Andersen’s tales. An eloquent 36-page Web Connections Tales and Stories. Translated by Erik introduction, translator notes follow- Christian Haugaard. 1974. 1120p. ing each tale, and an extensive bibli- The Web sites listed below can be Random/Anchor, paper, $19.95 ography provide additional insights. accessed through the Book Links Web (0-385-18951-6). site at http://www.ala.org/BookLinks. All ages. The vivid word choice of Andersen, H. C. Tales of Hans They were verified at the time of the original text is captured in this Christian Andersen. Edited and trans- publication, but please check that the honored collection of 156 translated lated by Naomi Lewis. Illus. by Joel sites remain valid before using them tales presented in chronological order Stewart. 2004. 208p. Candlewick, in an educational setting. of their creation. While lacking the $22.99 (0-7636-2515-9). Gr. 4–6. Lewis, a leading authority • Hans Christian Andersen 2005: A glowing illustrations of more recently Worldwide Celebration at http:// published collections, this title’s faith- on Andersen, selects and translates 13 www.hca2005.com, sponsored by ful translation will spark the imagina- fairy tales, and her expert introduc- the Danish government, presents tion of readers and listeners. A compel- tion to the collection and the historic biographical insights, a portrait ling foreword by Virginia Haviland, perspective and literary nuances she gallery, symphonic fairy tales, and an introduction by the translator, and adds to each selection provide deeper an H. C. Andersen cinema collec- Andersen’s authentic author notes insights. Stewart’s two fairies, Fairy tion that will help students famil- make this the definitive comprehensive Nice and Fairy Noxious, guide the iarize themselves with the author. collection of these beloved tales. reader to each tale, and his digitally enhanced illustrations effectively • The Web site of the Odense City Andersen, H. C. Little Mermaids and capture the stories’ messages. Museum at http://www.odmus. Ugly Ducklings: Favorite Fairy Tales dk includes links to the H. C. Single Tales Andersen Museum collection. A by Hans Christian Andersen. Illus. by biographical exhibit, paper cuts Gennady Spirin. 2001. 80p. Chroni- by Andersen, portraits of and cle, $19.95 (0-8118-1954-X). In addition to the recommended drawings by the storyteller, and Gr. 4–6. Six of the most famous selections below, other, out-of-print authentic manuscripts of hand- Andersen tales—The Ugly Duckling, picture-book editions of Andersen’s written fairy tales are included Thumbelina, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, tales may be available in your library. in the extensive holdings of this The Nightingale, The Princess and the Danish museum honoring the Pea, and The Little Mermaid —appear Andersen, H. C. The Little Match Danes’ native son. in this collection. Spirin’s fantasy-rich Girl. Retold and illus. by Jerry watercolors in the Renaissance tradi- Pinkney. 1999. 32p. Dial/Phyllis accompany the traditional text of this tion bring memorable characters and Fogelman, $16.99 (0-8037-2314-8). poignant tale of sacrifice and unre- magical events to life through full- Gr. 3–5. Pinkney transports quited love on the part of a mermaid page portraits, sidebar presentations, Andersen’s Danish heroine to the willing to become human for the sake and delicate cameo-shaped designs. streets of early-twentieth-century of a prince. The tragic ending is not New York. Amid crowded streets and softened here, which may surprise Andersen, H. C. The Stories of Hans marketplaces on a frigid New Year’s young fans of the Disney version. Christian Andersen: A New Translation Eve, the homeless match girl huddles from the Danish. Edited and translat- in a corner as visions of a warm stove, a Andersen, H. C. The Nightingale. ed by Diana Crone Frank and Jeffrey holiday feast, a Christmas tree, and her Retold by Stephen Mitchell. Illus. Frank. Illus. by Vilhelm Pedersen and loving grandmother appear and disap- by Bagram Ibatoulline. 2002. 40p. Lorenz Frolich. 2003. 304p. Hough- pear as she strikes each match. The next Candlewick, $17.99 (0-7636-1521-8). ton, $27 (0-618-22456-4). morning the little match girl is found Gr. 2–4. The emperor of China All ages. Twenty-two of Andersen’s frozen, but the glory of her departure searches for the nightingale whose tales, including canonical works and from life is honored with “When a star captivating song exceeds the beauty lesser-known tales, reveal the literary falls, a soul is going up to God.” of his royal gardens. A gentle kitchen legacy of the famous children’s story- maid draws the humble nightingale teller. Translations remain faithful to Andersen, H. C. The Little Mermaid. to court, where a glittering, bejeweled Danish text and replicate Andersen’s Illus. by Lisbeth Zwerger. Translated mechanical nightingale has captured voice. Pedersen’s intricate black-ink by Anthea Bell. 2004. 48p. Minedi- the emperor’s attention. Exquisite illustrations, done prior to 1859, as tion, $15.99 (0-698-40001-1). paintings depict the characters’ cloth- well as Frolich’s subsequent ones, Gr. 3–5. Quiet, dimly lit scenes ing, Chinese architecture, and gardens.

B o o k L i n k s M a r c h 2 0 0 5 7 Andersen, H. C. The Nightingale. Re- Andersen, H. C. The Princess and miniature world and threatening told and illus. by Jerry Pinkney. 2002. the Pea. Retold and illus. by Janet misfortunes of Thumbeline through 40p. Dial/Phyllis Fogelman, $16.99 Stevens. 1982. 32p. Holiday, $16.95 delicate, brown-toned watercolors. (0-8037-2464-0). (0-8234-0442-0); paper, $6.95 Interspersed with pencil drawings of a K–Gr. 4. Pinkney moves the set- (0-8234-0753-5). realistic Thumbeline, the illustrations ting from China to Morocco, omits K–Gr. 2. Stevens lends a contem- meticulously blend with Andersen’s some of Andersen’s wry commentary porary tone to this tale of a queen in descriptions of the toad, the June on court manners, and changes a few search of a suitable match for her son. beetle, the fieldmouse, the mole, and details to suit the new setting; this Soft watercolor-and-pencil illustra- the swallow. retelling is fresh in its interpretation tions depict a royal family of tigers but true to the spirit of the original and a retinue of other humorously Andersen, H. C. The Ugly Duckling. story of a loyal bird that is able to drawn creatures as they search the Illus. by Robert Ingpen. Translated by revive a king from his deathbed. The kingdom for a true princess. Anthea Bell. 2005. 32p. Minedition, richly colored artwork teems with $15.99 (0-698-40010-0). lively details. Andersen, H. C. Thumbelina. Retold Gr. 1–3. This graceful transla- and illus. by Brian Pinkney. 2003. tion tells the whole story of the ugly 40p. Greenwillow, $16.99 (0-688- duckling’s misfortune, rejection, and 17476-0). misery, creating a feeling of darkness Preschool–Gr. 2. Born in the pet- true to Andersen’s original and mak- als of a flower blossom, diminutive ing the ending that much more won- Thumbelina experiences a dramatic derful. Beautifully composed paint- journey after being kidnapped by a ings with elements of collage reinforce toad. Later betrothed to a mole, our the somewhat somber tone. quiet heroine saves a swallow’s life and escapes on his back to the land of Andersen, H. C. The Ugly Duckling. flower people, where the king takes Retold and illus. by Jerry Pinkney. her as his wife and gives her a pair of 1999. 48p. HarperCollins, $15.95 golden wings. Bright illustrations of (0-688-15932-X). colored inks on clay board capture Preschool–Gr. 3. The 2000 Calde- this multicultural interpretation. cott Honor Book version of one of Andersen’s most heartfelt tales cap- Andersen, H. C. Thumbelina. Retold tures the patience needed to discover and illus. by Brad Sneed. 2004. 40p. one’s own identity. Pinkney’s water- Dial, $16.99 (0-8037-2812-3). colors articulately reveal the ugly K–Gr. 2. Sneed’s interpretation re- duckling’s sadness and disappoint- flects the strange, vaguely sinister, and ment and his subsequent elation perennially fascinating qualities of the once he transforms into a gracious original tale. The text cleaves closely swan. to the original, and the dramatic watercolors contrasting light and dark Andersen, H. C. The Wild Swans. Il- amplify both the dangers Thumbelina lus. by Anne Yvonne Gilbert. Trans- faces and the happy ending. lated by Naomi Lewis. 2005. 48p. Barefoot, $17.99 (1-84148-164-5). Andersen, H. C. Thumbeline. Il- Gr. 1–4. A young princess must lus. by Lisbeth Zwerger. Translated restore her eleven brothers to human by Anthea Bell. 2000. 32p. North- form after their evil stepmother has South, $15.95 (0-7358-1213-6). turned them into swans. This version Gr. 1–3. Zwerger captures the retains a dramatic, somber tone; the beautifully pale, feathery illustrations leaven the seriousness.

Demi sets the tale of “The Crossley-Holland, Kevin. The Ugly Emperor’s New Clothes” in Duckling. Illus. by Meilo So. 2001. China in her striking picture 32p. Knopf, $15.95 (0-375-81319-5). book of the same name. Preschool–Gr. 2. Carnegie Medalist

8 B o o k L i n k s M a r c h 2 0 0 5 Crossley-Holland captures the clas- sic tale of the awkward duckling who Professional Resources grew into an elegant swan. Watercolor illustrations effectively portray the passing seasons in the barnyard and The titles below are invaluable for educators who want to learn more about the marsh. Andersen and share some of the facts of his life with children prior to reading his tales. Demi. The Emperor’s New Clothes: A Tale Set in China. 2000. 48p. Simon • Andersen, H. C. The Fairy Tale of My Life: An Autobiography. 1871; reissued & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry, 2000. 610p. Cooper Square, paper, $22.95 (0-8154-1105-7). $19.95 (0-689-83068-8). With an introduction by noted Andersen scholar Naomi Lewis, Andersen’s K–Gr. 3. Demi’s compact retelling autobiography covers his provincial childhood, his international fame as a of the vain emperor whose fondness storyteller, his meetings with prominent artistic and social figures, and his journey across Europe. This readable account offers deep insights into the literary genius. for clothes dooms him is set in China. Gold-burnished paintings portray • Wullschlager, Jackie. Hans Christian Andersen: The Life of a Storyteller. 2000. small human figures against expansive 496p. Knopf, o.p. backgrounds that include elements This ambitious, authoritative, well-documented account of the life of the of Chinese culture such as a dragon master of fairy tales reveals how Andersen’s art emerged from the complexities parade and silk production. of his own experiences. Research from letters, journals, and original sources in both Danish and German paints a complete portrait. Poole, Amy Lowry. The Pea Blossom. 2005. 32p. Holiday, $16.95 (0-8234- through muted reds and greens. Full- Related Titles 1864-2). and double-page spreads capture the K–Gr. 3. Five small peas nest in a tin soldier’s perspective as he travels Brust, Beth Wagner. The Amazing pea pod, and each one contemplates its through the canal, into the fish’s belly, Paper Cuttings of Hans Christian future. The smallest decides that “what back to the dinner table, and into the Andersen. 1994. 80p. Houghton, $18 is to happen will happen,” and ends roaring flames that melt him into a (0-395-66787-9). up the only one to survive to grow into heart. Gr. 3–6. Few people know that a new vine of pods and leaves. This Andersen was an artist who scissor-cut retelling, set in a garden near Beijing, Setterington, Ken. Hans Christian intricate pictures from paper, often cre- features painterly illustrations that lend Andersen’s the Snow Queen: A Fairy ated while telling his fairy tales aloud. an Asian flair to the traditional story. Tale Told in Seven Stories. Illus. by Now housed in the Hans Christian Nelly and Ernst Hofer. 2000. 48p. Andersen Museum in Odense, Den- Sedgwick, Marcus. The Emperor’s New Tundra, $16.95 (0-88776-497-5). mark, these artworks are showcased Clothes. Illus. by Alison Jay. 2004. Gr. 3–5. This secular retelling fea- in white on black backgrounds in this 32p. Chronicle, $16.95 (0-8118- tures cut-paper art that is reminiscent unique book, in which Brust shares 4569-9). of Andersen’s own work. Young read- the intriguing story of these innovative Gr. 1–3. In this retelling, prose ers will be entranced by the intricate cuttings. becomes verse and the tone of the figures and scenes. rhymed couplets is jovial. The char- Yolen, Jane. The Perfect Wizard: Hans acters are all sumptuously dressed Setterington, Ken. The Wild Swans: Christian Andersen. Illus. by Dennis animals whose emperor is a lion. Jay’s An Adventure in Six Parts. Illus. by Nolan. 2005. 40p. Dutton, $16.99 warm, glowing art is finished with a Nelly and Ernst Hofer. 2003. 40p. (0-525-46955-9). crackle-glaze varnish that adds an air Tundra, $17.95 (0-88776-615-3). Gr. 1–5. Factual, sensitively re- of antiquity. Gr. 4–6. A lost king strikes a counted biographical details are inter- bargain to marry a witch, but hides spersed with quotes from Andersen’s Seidler, Tor. The Steadfast Tin Soldier. his 11 sons and only daughter from stories in this account of the beloved Illus. by Fred Marcellino. 1992. 32p. his bride. When his new wife discov- writer’s life. Sepia-toned illustrations HarperTrophy, paper, $6.95 (0-06- ers them, she turns the princes into portray scenes from both Andersen’s 205900-9). swans, leaving the undetected princess life and his tales, and add to the nos- K–Gr. 4. Caldecott Honor artist to break the witch’s spell. The delicate talgic tone of the text. Marcellino sets the tale of a one- cut-paper art of scherenschnitt en- legged soldier and the paper ballerina hances the tale and replicates the look Marjorie R. Hancock is a professor of language he admires from afar in Copenhagen of the intricate paper art Andersen arts in the Department of Elementary Education and creates a Christmas-like effect practiced himself. at Kansas State University at Manhattan, Kansas.

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