Hans Andersen's Stories - Illustrated by Jennie Harbour
What’s inside...
Originally published in 1922, Hans Andersen Stories is illustrated with colour and black and white illustrations by Jennie Harbour. This collection contains some of Andersen's best stories, including 'The Emperor's New Clothes', 'The Steadfast Tin Soldier', 'The Ugly Duckling', 'The Snow Queen', and 'The Princess and the Pea'. Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish poet and author, is celebrated for his children's stories and fables meant for both adults and children, often conveying sophisticated moral teachings. Jennie Harbour, an immensely talented yet elusive illustrator, managed to capture the public's imagination with her delicate and ethereal illustrations characterized by vibrant colours and Art Deco patterns. Pook Press is republishing these classic works in affordable, high-quality, colour editions.
Age
5-17
Length
172 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel when you read the story of The Little Mermaid? Why do you think she made the choices she did?
How would you solve a problem if you were in the shoes of The Ugly Duckling?
What do you think is the moral of The Emperor’s New Clothes? How can we apply this lesson in our lives?
In the story of Thumbelina, how did the characters' actions show their personalities?
Which story was your favorite and what would you have done differently if you were one of the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings to the stories, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the historical and cultural context of Andersen's fairy tales to deepen understanding.
Relate the challenges faced by characters like The Little Mermaid or The Ugly Duckling to personal experiences or real-life issues to make the stories more relatable.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can help them express their understanding and interpretation of the stories visually.
Use the moral lessons from the stories as a starting point for discussing values and ethics, guiding your child in considering what's important in various aspects of life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of kindness and empathy
Explanation: Hans Andersen's stories often showcase characters performing acts of kindness, such as in 'The Little Match Girl' where the protagonist dreams of being loved and cared for.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand the feelings of others and the importance of showing kindness, which they can practice at home, school, or in the playground.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal courage and resilience
Explanation: In tales like 'The Ugly Duckling', the main character faces adversity but ultimately finds strength and confidence in personal transformation.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and persist through difficulties, fostering self-esteem and resilience in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Stories such as 'The Emperor's New Clothes' illustrate the pitfalls of vanity and greed, highlighting how these traits lead to embarrassment and loss.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of honesty and the dangers of succumbing to vanity or deceit, applicable when interacting with peers and making personal choices.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination and creativity
Explanation: 'The Snow Queen' and other stories champion characters who use creativity to solve problems and overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Promotes the use of imagination as a tool for problem-solving and encourages creative expression through art, storytelling, or play.
Example Lesson: Understanding difference and diversity
Explanation: In 'The Little Mermaid', differences between the underwater world and human world are explored, teaching about diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate the differences between people and cultures, promoting inclusivity and respect in their daily interactions.