Thumbeline [Hardcover]

Hans Christian Andersen (Author), Lisbeth Zwerger (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

One night, as Thumbeline lay sleeping, an ugly toad hopped through the window and carried her away. So begins the first of many adventures for tiny Thumbeline, a pretty little girl no bigger than your thumb. Among one of Hans Christian Andersen's earliest stories, Thumbeline has been enchantingly illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger. The internationally acclaimed artist depicts Thumbeline's charming miniature world and captures all the dangers and delights of this satisfying story of virtue and unselfishness rewarded.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3 Andersen's tale of a tiny lass no bigger than one's thumb is familiar to most children, and there is nothing particularly new in this version. The translation differs very little from other editions (notably Michael Hague's Favorite Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales Holt, 1981) but at times seems flat and static. This is a longer, fuller version than is often found; there may not be enough illustrations to hold the interest of younger listeners. The pictures themselves owe their dreamlike quality to a subdued wash background, and the characters, the humans in particular, with their withered-apple faces, are drolly portrayed. There are occasional delightfully surprising details, such as a cat peering out of the old witch's cloak. Useful for libraries which need to broaden a folk tale collection or where another edition of this story is needed. Kathleen Brachmann, Highland Park Public Library, Ill.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Danish

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: North-South Books Inc. (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735812136
• ISBN-13: 978-0735812130
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #907,850 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Little Tale, December 9, 2001

By 

Terrie (Little Chute, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thumbeline (Hardcover)

Hans Christian Andersen's story of Thumbeline is so endearing that it's no wonder that so many authors have written their own versions of it and so many illustrators have had a go at making tiny Thumbeline come to life. This version, translated by Anthea Bell and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger is brimming with charm, rustic folk sensibilities, kindness and compassion spiked with just the right amount of perilous adventure to make it interesting, and a lovely magical feel. The story is well told in satisfyingly descriptive language. The illustrations are superb! Zwerger does a wonderful job with all of the animal characters that Thumbeline encounters and manages to infuse them with emotion and intelligence as well as country charm. Little red-haired Thumbeline is delicate and sweet in several lovely costumes with a peasant feel to them. You know the tale...a woman tells a witch that she wants a "tiny child" and the magic gives her exactly what she wishes for, a tiny child no bigger than her thumb. Thumbeline is born from the heart of a tulip. She's so beautiful and sweet that every small suitor in the neighborhood wants her hand in marriage, including a toad, a mole and a June beetle. They are not interested in the fact that she does not want to marry them! She gets help from other wee folk in the woodland community and makes a good friend when she saves the life of a swallow. The story ends happily for Thumbeline. It may be desirable to point out to your young ones that not every unattached female needs to find a husband, especially very young ones like Thumbeline, and that kidnapping and force are not true ways to get a girl to marry you! Children are smart enough to know that but it's still a good idea to talk over the odd concepts that a child may be thinking about after you read this story. I love this old-fashioned story and this re-telling adds beautifully to its charm and therefore justifies its conception.