Hans Christian Andersen's poignant story of a poor child trying to survive on the city streets is among the world's best-loved tales. Andersen, who grew up in the slums of Odense, Denmark, had first-hand knowledge of poverty and neglect. Drawing on his childhood experiences, he created a tale that has touched the hearts of generations. Christine San Jose captures the heart and lyricism of Andersen's classic in a tale "told with originality and grace," according to School Library Journal. First published in 1995, this retelling features beautiful new illustrations by Kestutis Kasparavicius."
This book has been graded for interest at 4-8 years.
There are 32 pages in this book. This book was published 2002 by Boyds Mills Press .
Christine San Joseis the reteller of a number of folktales and fairy talespublished by Boyds MillsPress. She lives in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Kestutis Kasparavicius has illustrated many books for children, including "The Last Chimney of Christmas Eve "by Linda Oatman High, and "The Pied Piper of Peru "by Ann Tompert. He lives in Vilnius, Lithuania. " Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a Danish author and poet, most famous for his writing down of many timeless, classic fairy tales. He is Denmark's most famous author and his birthday is celebrated every year with a part called "Odin Story Day".
This book contains the following story:
The Little Match Girl
On a cold New Year's Eve, a poor girl tries to sell matches in the street. She is already shivering from cold and early hypothermia. Still she is afraid to go home because her father will beat her for not selling any matches. She shelters in a nook and sits down. The girl lights the matches to warm herself. In their glow, she sees several lovely visions including a Christmas tree and a holiday feast. The girl looks skyward and sees a shooting star; she then remembers her dead grandmother saying that such a falling star means someone is dying and is going to Heaven. As she lights the next match, she sees a vision of her grandmother, the only person to have treated her with love and kindness. She strikes one match after another to keep the vision of her grandmother alive for as long as she can. Running out of matches, the child dies and her grandmother carries her soul to Heaven. The next morning, passers-by find the child dead in the nook and feel pity for her.
