The Little Mermaid and Other Fairy Tales (Dover Children's Evergreen Classics) [Paperback]

Hans Christian Andersen (Author), Children's Classics (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 13, 2003 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Dover Children's Evergreen Classics

This collection includes "The Little Mermaid," the story of a mermaid princess who falls in love with a human; "Great Claus and Little Claus," an account of a clever young man who turns a series of misfortunes into a fortune; as well as "The Ugly Duckling," "The Red Shoes," "Thumbelina," and more. 12 unabridged stories.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-Philip has collected and reexamined the translations of 17 of the author's stories that run the gamut from the overexposed "The Little Mermaid" to the virtually unknown "The Beetle." The retellings are smooth, offering Andersen's trademark colloquial charm, ironic humor, and painful observations balanced with spiritual aspirations. The book is lavishly designed with gold-tipped pages, thick paper, plenty of white space, patterned borders, and a number of full-colored plates for every tale. The most effective illustrations meld the natural elements-a toad or a bowl of fruit-with fantastically patterned and intensely colored borders. However, the pictures are occasionally overdesigned and overwhelm the simpler story lines. A splendid gift item for fans of Andersen or an additional purchase for library collections.
Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English
Original Language: Danish --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (January 13, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486423654
• ISBN-13: 978-0486423654
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #963,550 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( A ) > Andersen, Hans Christian
  • #24 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Popular Characters > Fairy Tales & Folk Tales > Little Mermaid

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Danish Master Storyteller Touches the Heart, June 28, 2010

By 

Gale Finlayson "PLUME45" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Little Mermaid and Other Fairy Tales (Dover Children's Evergreen Classics) (Paperback)

Over the decades I have enjoyed many HCA fairy tales--considering them a gift to childlike hearts the world over. Many excellent illustrators have chosen individual stories to depict, thus capturing the imagination of readers of all ages. Still I must admit to being disappointed by this Harper anthology which is not all inclusive. The tales vary in length from rather long to absurdly short--not that length alone proves a valid yardstick for enjoyment.

Despite the author's occasional subtle humor he intrudes too much of himself into many tales--as if readers were really interested in hearing about the actual storyteller as well as his characters. One wonders if he were trying to curry favor and royal patronage. Before reading aloud to youngsters: be warned that some tales are brutal or grisly, while others seem legitimate pleas for social reform. His favorite themes for general moralizing portray the dangers of excess: greed, violence and vanity. Was HCA trying to instruct or merely entertain his young readers despite his heavy literary agenda?