Lavishly illustrated by award-winning artist Gennady Spirin, this spectacular collection gathers together six of the most beloved stories by master storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. The characters in these tales, from the loyal little mermaid to the brave tin soldier to the ugly duckling, learn life lessons from the experiences they encounter, lessons that are still vital to the way we live today. And Gennady Spirins delicate watercolors, in the tradition of the great masters of the Renaissance, bring these enchanted characters and their valuable lessons magically to life. Together, the pictures and tales combine to create a timeless collection of classic stories that deserve a special place on every bookshelf. Stories included: The Princess and the Pea The Brave Tin Soldier Thumbelina The Ugly Duckling The Nightingale The Little Mermaid
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.
