The Little Mermaid overlooking the harbour in Copenhagen
I didn’t know this was a thing until today, but apparently lovers of kids’ fiction get their own day to celebrate. It also marks the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, Danish author of fairy tales galore (think Thumbelina, Ugly Duckling, Princess and the Pea, Little Mermaid, and more). Full disclosure – I don’t think I’ve actually read any of his stories firsthand. But it’s the mark of a great story teller that I’m familiar with so many of his tales nonetheless. Maybe with all this revisiting of childhood books I’ll be inspired to check out some new titles as well, like the original Little Mermaid. But from what I’ve heard it’s much more depressing than the Disney version…
The originals are often depressing, dark and dangerous. My daughter and I both agreed that we felt devastated after reading The Little Match Girl. Please be sure that you have a happy place to recover in should you ever want to try it out…
I agree that the originals are a bit depressing. I tend to tell my kids brand new stories. Thanks for the news on International Children’s Book Day. I’m going to reblog and share the news on my site.
Reblogged this on friendlyfairytales.
Good luck with your explorations of Andersen’s work…they are quite fatalistic, it’s true. Jill’s mention of The Little Match Girl reminds me that my mother cries whenever it is read! I prefer the horrific tales, the Russian ones are great. They have superlative bogey men and they don’t walk away with your heart.