Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales (Michael Hague Signature Classics)
Michael Hague Signature Classics Series
What’s inside...
In this Signature Classics edition, award-winning illustrator Michael Hague brings Hans Christian Andersen's beloved tales to life with stunning ink and watercolor artwork. This collection includes classics such as 'The Snow Queen,' 'The Little Mermaid,' 'The Little Match Girl,' 'Thumbelina,' 'The Ugly Duckling,' and 'The Emperor's New Clothes.' Perfect for families and collectors, this beautifully illustrated edition is a treasure for years to come, containing fairy tales of transformation and magic, from humble beginnings to triumphant endings. Master artist Michael Hague has selected and illustrated this enchanting collection, compiled especially for reading aloud with the whole family. Through his luminous paintings, readers will rediscover all the magic of these beloved childhood classics.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
147 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt in the story? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What would you do if you were in the place of the main character?
Which fairy tale was your favorite and why?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the stories?
How do you think the story would change if it happened today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your voice for different characters to make the story more engaging.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the tale before turning the page.
After reading, encourage your child to draw scenes from their favorite fairy tale to deepen their connection with the story.
Discuss the morals and lessons of each fairy tale and connect them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Encourage empathy by discussing how the characters might have felt during key moments in the stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Stories like 'The Ugly Duckling' show characters who are misunderstood or mistreated, but eventually find acceptance and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with others who may seem different and appreciate the importance of tolerance and acceptance in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Little Mermaid,' the protagonist faces significant challenges but continues to strive for her goals despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in the face of obstacles and teaches them that perseverance is key to achieving one’s dreams.
Example Lesson: The importance of inner beauty
Explanation: In tales like 'The Snow Queen,' the emphasis on characters’ internal qualities over external appearance teaches children to value personal virtues over superficial traits.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to focus on developing inner qualities such as kindness, intelligence, and courage, understanding that these traits are what truly define a person.
Example Lesson: Consequences of choices
Explanation: Many of Andersen’s tales, including 'The Emperor’s New Clothes,' highlight how the choices made by characters lead to certain outcomes, emphasizing the importance of making wise decisions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically about the consequences of their actions and the importance of honesty and integrity in decision-making.