Elf Hill: Tales from Hans Christian Andersen [Hardcover]

Naomi Lewis (Author), Hans Christian Andersen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1999 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

This sparkling re-telling of nine of Andersen's tales captures all of the warmth and wit of the original Danish versions. Naomi Lewis has selected well-loved favorites as well as less familiar, but equally enchanting, tales to create a collection with special appeal for young readers. The stories in this collection include: Elf Hill, The Happy Family, The Shepherdess and the Chimneysweep, The Princess and the Pea, The Money-Box Pig, The Little Match Girl, Little Ida's Flowers, The Jumping Competition, and The Nightingale. Ages 5-9.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Writer and Andersen-authority Lewis (Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales) here gathers nine of the master's incomparable tales, ranging from the very familiar ("The Little Match Girl"; "The Princess and the Pea") to the virtually obscure ("Little Ida's Flowers"; "Elf Hill"). The manageable size of this anthology will encourage young readers to explore Andersen's magical world. Lewis wisely refrains from putting a personal stamp on her retellings; they mirror the originals nearly word for word. Clark (I Love You, Blue Kangaroo!), appropriately, gives herself free reign, and she takes a flight of fancy in paintings that are by turns vibrant and gently whimsical. From full-page scenes to tiny vignettes, she lightly captures all manner of creatures--elves and trolls cavorting in the woods; and toys putting on human airs in the playroom. Established Andersen fans and neophytes alike will find something to treasure here. Ages 5-9. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-At present, there are over 20 collections of Andersen's stories in print-and that does not include the editions with audiocassettes. Still and all, Lewis's retelling of nine tales does have its place for those who want their language straightforward and unadorned. Several lesser-known selections, such as "The Happy Family" and "The Money-Box Pig," join "The Princess and the Pea" and "The Nightingale." Clark has provided amazingly cheerful paintings by way of illustration-even for such dispiriting stories as "The Little Match Girl." Though Andersen's tales are undeniably quirky, they have proven staying power and many libraries will find this a worthwhile addition to their collections.
Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 68 pages
• Publisher: Star Bright Books; 1 edition (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887734708
• ISBN-13: 978-1887734707
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,787,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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