Thirty of Hans Christian Andersen's most cherished stories in single volumes Illustrator various artists. Known all over the world, these fairytales hold stories of great value and are a source of inspiration for both young and old.

The classic Hans Christian Andersen tale in simple text and colorful illustrations.

The Little Match Girl (Danish: Den Lille Pige med Svovlstikkerne, meaning "The little girl with the matchsticks") is a short story by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen. The story, about a dying child's dreams and hope, was first published in 1845. On a cold New Year's Eve, a poor, young girl tries to sell matches in the street. She is already shivering from cold and early hypothermia, and she is walking barefoot having lost her two large slippers that had belonged to her mother. Still, she is too afraid to go home, because her father will beat her for not selling any matches, and also as the many cracks in their shack can't keep out the cold wind. The girl takes shelter in a corner formed by two house projected further out into street...

It only takes one strike . . . A powerful, beautifully illustrated feminist reworking of the classic fairy tale, from award-winning creators Emma Carroll and Lauren Child "You've got a lot to say for a little match girl." On the streets of Victorian London, Bridie uses her wit selling matches to help feed her family--but no matter how hard she works, it's never enough to stave off hunger or keep her ailing mother safe from the factory's toxins. When a street-side accident leaves Bridie with only three matches, the strike of each one sends her magically tumbling into visions of a brighter, more hopeful future. Realizing she has the power to change her own fortune, Bridie urges the ill-treated factory workers to protest and strike, achieving something remarkable through unity and courage. A far cry from the doomed little girl in Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, Emma Carroll's spirited heroine brings new life to this empowering retelling, inspired by historical events and featuring Lauren Child's bold, stylish black-and-white artwork with vivid spots of red. Author and illustrator notes, along with vintage photographs, offer enlightening context for readers at the end.

In 'The Little Match Girl & Other Christmas Stories' by Hans Christian Andersen, readers are transported to a magical world filled with wonder and heartache. Through his poignant storytelling and vivid imagery, Anderson sheds light on the harsh realities of life while maintaining a sense of hope and compassion. The collection of Christmas stories explores themes of poverty, loss, and the power of imagination in the face of despair, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers of all ages. Andersen's simple yet profound writing style captivates the reader from start to finish, creating a literary experience that is both thought-provoking and emotionally stirring. Through his evocative prose, Andersen masterfully weaves together the complexities of human emotion, shining a light on the beauty and tragedy of the human experience. 'The Little Match Girl & Other Christmas Stories' is a testament to Andersen's enduring legacy as a master storyteller, whose work transcends time and continues to inspire generations of readers around the world.

This touching fairy tale is Hans Christian Andersen’s tragic story of a young girl who’s left alone on the snowy streets the night of New Year’s Eve. In the cold and dark of a snowy New Year’s Eve, a young girl desperately tries to sell enough matches so she can return home without facing punishment from her father. But as night draws in, and the child fails to sell her wares, she begins to use the matches as a last attempt to stay warm. As she loses consciousness, she begins to envision the most beautiful things around her. First published in 1824, this classic story is a moral tale, evidencing the result of selfish or uncaring behaviour. As part of the Golden Age of Illustration series, this edition of The Little Match Girl features beautiful artwork from the likes of Arthur Rackham, Mabel Lucie Attwell, Harry Clarke, Honor Appleton, Maxwell Armfield, among others.