Tales of Hans Christian Andersen
What’s inside...
Hans Christian Andersen called his life a fairy tale, rising from the obscurity of the slums to become one of the most famous men in the world. This collection features 13 of his best stories, including 'The Princess and the Pea', 'Thumbelina', and 'The Ugly Duckling'. The Candlewick Illustrated Classics series offers collectible editions that showcase treasured stories with full-color illustrations and elegant French flaps.
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Little Mermaid
Prince
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt in the story when they faced challenges?
What would you have done differently if you were in the character's shoes?
Which story was your favorite, and why did it resonate with you?
How do you think the story would change if it happened today?
What lessons can we learn from the characters’ experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a cozy reading nook to make the reading time special. Use expressive voices for different characters to bring the stories to life. After reading, relate the themes or morals of the stories to real-life situations that your child may encounter, helping them apply the lessons learnt. Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, then explain their artwork, deepening their understanding and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In stories like 'The Little Mermaid,' Andersen explores deep emotional themes and the consequences of personal sacrifice, teaching children to empathize with diverse feelings and experiences of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in developing compassion and understanding towards friends and classmates who may be different or facing challenges.
Example Lesson: The value of inner beauty
Explanation: Andersen's 'The Ugly Duckling' emphasizes that true beauty comes from within rather than physical appearances, promoting self-acceptance and confidence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate their own unique qualities and look beyond superficial attributes when interacting with others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: 'The Little Match Girl' portrays a hopeful spirit in the face of extreme adversity, showing that hope can be maintained even in dire circumstances.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of hope and resilience, encouraging them to remain optimistic and strong during difficult times.
Example Lesson: Consequences of selfishness
Explanation: In 'The Emperor’s New Clothes,' Andersen crafts a narrative about the consequences of pride and the danger of refusing to acknowledge obvious truths due to vanity.
Real-World Application: This story helps children understand the importance of honesty and the pitfalls of giving into vanity or deceit.
Example Lesson: Importance of kindness
Explanation: Tales such as 'The Snow Queen' illustrate the transformative power of kindness and the importance of caring for others, showing how acts of compassion can influence and change lives.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to act kindly towards others, understanding that their actions can make a significant positive impact on the world around them.