Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales

by Hans Christian Andersen Narrated by Laura Madsen

Overview

The must own audio book for parents with children, Hans Christian Andersen found magic in the landscape of childhood. His talking animals and living toys shine a sparkling light on the strange wisdom of innocence and the deceptive nature of adulthood. These stories have now been adapted into countless classic films (including The Little Mermaid, The Red Shoes, and Frozen - which was based on “The Snow Queen”) and have become part of our everyday speech, such as when we talk about “ugly ducklings” and “the emperor's new clothes" and more. Every author has some peculiarity in his descriptions or in his style of writing.

These enchanting stories are wonderful for children, and collectors of fine art alike. Experience these classics again, and pick up this beautiful edition of Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Zwerger, who has illustrated several Andersen tales as individual picture books, here presents an oversized storybook collection of eight, ranging from the readily familiar (``The Emperor's New Clothes''; ``The Princess and the Pea'') to others that will be new to many readers (``The Rose Tree Regiment''; ``The Jumpers''). She provides a few full-page pictures, at most, for each--just enough to sketch a character, suggest a scene and offer a jumping-off point for the reader's vision. Her lines are characteristically dainty, her palette strong and true--a combination reminiscent of the color plates that frequently embellished texts of yore. Noted translator Bell's retellings are literal and literary, with a leisurely, somewhat old-fashioned feeling created by long, lyrical sentences and descriptions and frequent exclamations and addresses to the reader; they are a fitting match for Zwerger's elegant style. The opening selection, ``The Sandman,'' is, unfortunately, the longest, most rambling and diffuse, and the most clearly European; but after this somewhat difficult beginning, the collection opens a rich world to the reader willing to invest time and imagination in these classic renditions. Ages 4-up. (Nov.)

School Library Journal

Gr 4 Up-- This handsome edition, containing eight stories, has a few old favorites and some lesser-known tales that can only be found in complete anthologies. Bell's translations are crisp, offering Andersen's wry observations and romantic prose in clean, precise English. The book is asethetically pleasing--long and narrow, with thick, creamy white pages; a fine typeface; and plenty of white space framing text and illustration. Zwerger's elegant pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are typically restrained in palette, utilizing mostly earthen tones. Her compositions are classically balanced, with uncluttered backgrounds, and realistic characters, costumed fancifully. Each story begins with a simple headpiece decoration and is accompanied by one or more plates. A lovely volume. --Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library

APRIL 2018 - AudioFile

Listeners will be fascinated by these original stories from Hans Christian Andersen—no Disney adaptations here. They’re richly voiced by F. Murray Abraham and enlivened by a cast of acclaimed narrators who add playful differentiation to the many characters. The tales range from the familiar “Thumbelina,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “The Princess and the Pea” to those less well known like “The Rags” and “Luck Can Be Found on a Stick.” They’re filled with surprises for those acquainted only with the sanitized versions, with many missing the happy endings we’re used to hearing. Abraham’s elegant narration and measured pacing provide the perfect foil to the more whimsical style of those portraying the characters in this engaging production. S.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2019 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940177386720
Publisher:	Author's Republic
Publication date:	05/01/2021
Edition description:	Unabridged

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