The Complete Illustrated Works of Hans Christian Andersen
not part of a series
What’s inside...
This storybook contains all the fairy tales of Hans Andersen, together with all the original illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
872 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the little mermaid felt when she saw the prince for the first time? Can you describe a time when you felt that way?
In 'The Emperor’s New Clothes', why do you think no one wanted to tell the emperor that he wasn’t wearing any clothes?
What lessons can we learn from 'The Ugly Duckling'? Have you ever felt out of place like the duckling?
Why do you think the characters in Hans Christian Andersen's stories often face challenges? How do they overcome them?
What would you do if you were in the shoes of the princess from 'The Princess and the Pea'? How do you think she felt?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and tones that match the emotions of the characters when reading aloud to help your child better understand and engage with the story.
After reading a story, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book. This can help them express their understanding and interpretation of the story visually.
Connect themes from the stories to real-life situations your child may encounter, such as feeling different or left out, dealing with honesty, or facing a difficult decision.
Encourage your child to imagine alternate endings for the stories or what they would do differently if they were one of the characters.
Ask your child to pick their favorite character and explain why they made that choice, fostering deeper thinking and connection to the story’s moral lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: Andersen's stories often highlight the importance of being kind and empathetic towards others, regardless of their circumstances. For example, 'The Little Match Girl' shows the harsh realities faced by the less fortunate, and encourages readers to be compassionate.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to understand and share the feelings of their peers, leading to more harmonious interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: The value of resilience
Explanation: Many of Andersen's protagonists face adversities that they overcome through persistence and courage. 'The Ugly Duckling', for instance, teaches children that personal transformation and happiness can be achieved despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to face challenges in their own lives with determination and hope, understanding that tough times are part of growth.
Example Lesson: Being true to oneself
Explanation: Andersen's stories often emphasize the importance of staying true to one's identity, as seen in 'The Emperor’s New Clothes'. It encourages readers to be honest and to think independently despite peer pressure.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday life by encouraging them to express their true thoughts and feelings, promoting authenticity and integrity.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: In 'The Snow Queen', the story illustrates the negative aspects of greed and its ability to cause harm to oneself and others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being content and the dangers of excessive wanting, helping them to value what they have.