Hans Christian Andersen

This series is always a joy to read, it’s a really nice introduction to well known people for little children. Of course the plot is always a little bit fast but that’s to be expected and it’s totally understandable.
This volume right here is about the famous fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen. I'm sure children all over the world are quite familiar with his stories and this book would be a great way for them to learn about the man who created them. I highly recommend this one!

This was cute! I thought the art really made this entry into the series special - it worked so well for a book about a fairytale author.

Hans Christian Anderson is the newest lead in this latest edition of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. This series is such a delight and the perfect way to educate not just kids but everyone about historic and cultural icons.

Hans Christian Anderson was a Danish author who is best remembered for his fairy tales.. This book follows Hans as he works as a weaver's apprentice after his father's passing, as he joins the Royal Danish Theater, and finally his rise as a storyteller.

Maxine Lee-Mackie illustrates this installment and does an amazing job. Maxine's art style was so captivating and her art definitely further helped tell Han Christian Anderson's story. I love collecting these books and am so thrilled to add this one to the rest of my collection.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

"It's never too late if you really want to learn."

I've talked about Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara's Little People, Big Dreams series many times before on this blog. And it should come as no surprise that I picked up her Hans Christian Andersen story as well. I think the thing I love about this series of books so much is that there's almost always something new to learn. And maybe this is a call out to how little I know about all these amazing people of the past...but it's still fun to learn about them all the same.

"They had one precious jewel that they kept carefully in the cupboard: a book."

Oh my goodness, I could cry at how much I loved reading the story of Hans Christian Andersen's life in this format. It was heartbreaking and inspirational in ways I personally had not imagined. And Vegara does a beautiful job of weaving all the pieces together. Honestly, I think if I were to ensure I owned any of her books, this would be my number one.

Hans was a storyteller from the beginning and that is something that I hold so dear to my heart. I guess it's really no surprise that I fell quite hard for this book.

"Hans spent his free time writing."

Ah, me too, Hans. Me too.

Okay, but for real...I don't love the artwork. And, to be fair, I've never fallen in love with any of the artwork for these books. I really put this down to the fact that it's just not my style at all. But it's consistent throughout the series despite having multiple illustrators, this one featuring the artwork of Maxine Lee-Mackie.

I wouldn't say there's anything wrong with the artwork. It's definitely bright and beautiful. But I just don't care for it personally. And I don't really expect that to be the rule for anyone else. In fact, I kind of think a lot of kids will adore it. I mean, just look at how bright-eyed and eager Hans looks!

"It was full of misspellings, but he found it just delightful."

So, this is the part where I, as an educator who has regularly worked with kids who make multitudes of spelling mistakes (largely phonetic), the fact that Hans Christian Andersen persevered through his dream to tell and write stories despite struggling with writing and needing to go back to school at a much older age is so amazing. I legitimately do think that I will, at some point, buy a copy of this book for one of my kiddos.

There's something truly heart-warming to find someone who has struggled but was still able to succeed and recognize a piece of yourself in them. Especially in something like this. And I just...it gives me feels. I can't even imagine how much it might mean to someone who's struggled in their own school.

I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Delightful! Bright quirky illustrations and an encouraging story of Han Christian Andersen’s life. As someone who has enjoyed his stories, and who married into a Danish family, I thought this was a lovely tribute for kids, to such a prolific author.

(I only wish it came out on April 2nd as a celebration of his birthday and Children’s Book Day!)

As always with this series, a beautiful depiction of the life of someone we know. Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytales are classics, and it’s so interesting to read about his life. I loved the swan in the illustrations. Keep them coming!

Another great children's book written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara in the Little People, Big Dreams series. The artwork and story were both beautifully done. Many of the pages were written about what was happening throughout Andersen's personal life and the illustrations accompanying showcased how these moments influenced his writing by telling another layer of his story through illustrations of his fairy tales.

A wonderful book for children or anyone who enjoys fairy tales. I know there are a lot of mature Hans Christian Andersen fans that would also love to add this book to their collection or share this story with their children, grandchildren, or students. I would recommend this one for fairy tale fans of all ages. A very enjoyable read!

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great introduction to Hans Christian Andersen for children, especially those who love fairy tales. In grade school, I was required to do a report on a famous figure, and this book would be a good start for a report. The artwork is cute, and the narrative is digestible for children. It highlights key points in his life, and it will hopefully inspire readers to research further!

This book is so cute and so inspiring for all the dreamers around the world who might feel like they don't belong.

As usual these books are fantastic at simplifying a famous person’s life and achievements. This one had beautiful illustrations for the story/imagination parts.

I absolutely love the images in this book. They reflect the style of Hans Cristian Andersen books, which I find fantastic. However, this book is marketed to all ages. I would not recommend this for all ages. There are too many words on the pages for a child below 4 or so to be able to follow/pay attention to/actually be able to listen. I am not saying I would not potentially buy this for a younger child, but the majority of younger children will not be able to follow this book, it is definitely for an older child (of 5 or so years). I completely recommend this as a cute tale for youngsters introducing them to a great and famed writer.

Thanks to the author, illustrator, publisher, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback. I will be cross-posting this review to Goodreads.

I loved this children's book mostly because of its whimsical illustrations! They are brilliant! I also love the fact that this book has been written, as it speaks on one of the most influential authors in literature that may sometimes be overlooked. Also, this book manages to humanize and connect the author with children, such as through mentioning Children’s Book Day. I think it was a great book with great illustrations. I’m a fan.

This latest entry in the excellent Little People/Big Dreams series for young children tells the story of Hans Christian Anderson. Appealing detailed illustrations accompany the text throughout.

Readers learns that young Hans grew up very poor. Still, the family had one book and this book was loved by Hans as it was full of exciting stories. The somewhat circuitous route by which Hans got from his family’s book to writing his own is told in this title. As usual with this series, there are additional facts about the book’s subject included at the end.

I like this title very much. Through it readers learn about an author with whom they may already be familiar. He truly was one of the most beloved writers of fairy tales.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read. All opinions are my own.

The story of this beloved storyteller's life has sadness, loss, overcoming and joy. Although he came from a family with a joy of reading, he was unable to finish school as a child and only was able to do so as a young man. From then on he put his dreams to paper and wrote stories that have been translated nearly everywhere and into every medium.
The illustrations are mostly simple and forthright with brilliant colors thanks to illustrator Maxine Lee-Mackie.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books/Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Who doesn't know Hans Christian Andersen? His tales lit up my childhood, and next to Enid Blyton, he was the most commonly present author in my collections. But I never knew anything about his background so reading this little book was an eye-opener. It is amazing to see how his creativity helped him overcome his childhood struggles, how he became such a prolific writer in spite of not having receive schooling in his formative years, how he used his real life experiences to create more fantastical stories. Parents will enjoy taking the nostalgic look at the beloved author. And I hope children will read this title and yearn to know more it Hans Christian Andersen through his books. His stories are evergreen, and this book deservedly gives him the credit. Absolutely enjoyed reading this picture book.

The illustrations are decent, though they seem to be very different in style from the rest of the titles in this series. I’m not a huge fan of pasty white faces and red rouged cheeks when it comes to illustrations, so I didn’t really enjoy that aspect of the human figures. But the overall design of each page (except the human elements) is superb.

Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Hans Christian Andersen is another wonderful book in the Little People Big Dreams series! I loved learning about his life and what lead him to pen some of the most beloved children's fairy tales of all time. I do wish this was a little longer. His personal biography ends after he begins publishing stories. I think children will enjoy learning about life of the author of so many famous stories they already love.

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

Thank you for such an amazing picture book biography of the best fairytale writer of all times!

The illustrations are unique and something we can all look forward to. It's comforting.

The lifestory of the author, his background and those who made it possible and what motivated him to write his stories have been captured in a beautiful, simple way apt for the target audience.

Love it.

Thank you, the Publisher and the author for the advance reading copy.

Imagination Lasts Forever, is the Big Dream that Hans Christian Anderson has. He loves Fairy Tales since he was just a young boy. This enthusiasm never leaves him. He has a hard time, too because he is poor and must leave school and work a job he does not like. For a time, he goes to the big city, Copenhagen and joins The Royal Danish Theater. He can not make it as an entertainer, but that does not mean he forgets how to entertain! He goes back to his favorite way of expressing himself, and now he becomes the storyteller. He writes books most of us have heard of: The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and The Princess and the Pea. His books are beloved forever more by Children and Adults of all Ages. There is just Magic in his Tales.

A really fun fact was they make April 2nd Children’s Book Day in his honor.

So, for the child in all of us, I recommend this book. It is Wonderful. The Illustrations are Terrific as always, and help show the love and passion Hans has for Stories.

This is a Little People Big Dreams Book that is another Fantastic Book to the Series. It is Great for Schools and Libraries to carry this, so children know how many ways the world is open to them. A book about loving to write books will help inspire our next author or entertainer.

Thank You NetGalley, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, and Francis Lincoln Children’s Books for giving an ARC of this book. As always, I really appreciate it as I love these books.

Yet another masterpiece about the most beloved children's author. I never knew his own story and this book provided enough history not just about him but also encourages children to follow their dreams wven if you face hurdles on the way.

Another inspiring book in this wonderful, growing collection of ‘Little people, big ideas’. Aimed at young children there is enough to engage with adults sharing the experience of reading with our little ones.
The author manages to compress the subject’s life into these colourfully illustrated pages that the struggles and successes are outlined.
In Hans Christen Andersen we see an imaginative child growing to share his poetic story telling we classify as ‘fairy tales’ that went on to fire children’s imaginations long after the stories end.
Above all it is a book that shows the determination of the human spirit, the quest for education through reading and writing. He returned to school to overcome his appalling spelling and grammar. I particularly loved the picture of an overgrown child trying to sit at his school desk.
Finally, it promotes reading, a wider love of literature and celebration of the arts.
Many visit Copenhagen and the statue of The Little Mermaid, this simple book will ensure anyone visiting in the future will be ignorant of the author who shared his own love of reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
I really enjoy reading these little books and getting snippets of information about someone’s life that shows how that person came into public awareness. It’s fascinating to learn how somethings came into being- for instance Hans Christian began writing his fairy tales in earnest after a case of unrequited love.
As usual I loved the artwork and my children were definitely eager to learn more and enjoyed the illustrations! Overall another winner in our household.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
I love the collection of Little People Big Dreams books. I think they are excellent biographies for children, which can be hard to find. I especially liked this one since I am familiar with Andersen's work. This was the first biography I had read on him, and the information was interesting and appropriate for children. This would be fantastic to read alongside one of his fairy tales.

This was my first Little People, Big Dreams book and I am in love! The illustrations were beautiful and I loved learning about the life of Hans Christian Andersen. The book was engaging and informative. I also enjoyed the timeline and photographs at the end. I would definitely recommend this book!

Another amazing gem in this truly wonderful series. The story of Hans Christian Anderson is told in such an easy, engaging manner that all readers will be able to relate to and the words are complimented with bright, intriguing illustrations. There is so much contained within these pages to entertain, inform and inspire. The fact that one of the worlds greatest writers had trouble spelling will be so reassuring for so many children and their parents and teachers. The addition of actual photographs and a brief history of Hanson Christian Anderson is pitched perfectly and the whole book will encourage an exploration of the stories he wrote. It certainly inspired me to go back and re read some. I would love to see this whole series on bookshelves everywhere. Fantastic!

With huge thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an inspiring read.

My five year old daughter and I love this book series; the Hans Christian Andersen addition was no exception! After reading the book, my daughter said she wants to be like the people in these books. That certainly is the hope isn't it? That our children aspire to their own personal greatness, and discover early on what they love and develop their skills to make a positive mark on this world.

Really amazing book, nicely done up and children friendly! Even as an adult, I didn't know the amazing story of Hans Christian Andersen and how children's day came about. Truly a great book, especially for parents with young kids!

After reading the Rosa Parks book with the kids at the elementary school where I work, I couldn't help but request this one when I came across it on NetGalley. I think that I can safely conclude that I love the Little People, Big Dreams books.

I highly recommend this book, as the illustrations are wonderful and the book gives a good biography of the life of Hans Christian Andersen in a way that is comprehensible for children. It raised public awareness, is informative and is fun at the same time. I especially loved the brief history and photographs at the end of the book! It makes it more fun for adults as well. ;)

Another entry in one of our favorite picture book series. If you haven't checked out the Little People, Big Dreams series, I highly recommend it. These picture books are a perfect way for elementary school aged kids to learn about famous and inspiring people.

In this book, the kids can learn about Hans Christian Andersen who was born in Denmark in the 1860's. His family was working class and Hans' most cherished item growing up was a book of fairy tales. Hans was forced to quit school and start working as an apprentice after his father died. Hans was still young so hadn't properly learned to write. This didn't stop him from pursuing his passion for writing his own fairy tales.

This book is full of delightful, colorful illustrations showing key moments in Hans' life. There are also additional materials at the end of the book like photographs and a timeline of Hans' life. Highly recommend!

There is so much trivia regarding Hans Christian Andersen floating around on the internet (the anecdote about his visit at Dickens' house? PLEASE), that I sometimes can't seem to keep fact apart from fiction, yet this cute non-fiction book still taught me a thing or to about the imaginative mind behind The Little Mermaid and "The Snow Queen" - but apparently also "The Princess and the Pea"?! Cute and informartive, as always!

The latest extraordinary person to join the brilliant Little People Big Dreams series is creator of some of the world's best-loved fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen. And how fitting to have a book celebrating an author whose stories are adored by so many.

Hans grew up in Denmark and although his family was poor, they had one treasured possession - a book full of magic and fairy tales. When his father passed away, young Hans was forced to become a weaver’s apprentice. It wasn’t the life he imagined so, when he was old enough, Hans followed his dream to the stage. Having only been given small roles Hans turned to writing stories backstage, and it was there his magic began. Seizing the opportunity to return to school he sharpened his craft, but it took falling in love, and having his heart-broken for Hans to really unlock the beauty of his writing as his feelings spilled out onto the page in stories of mermaids and swans.

Wrapping up by explaining how Hans' stories have become loved by so many, and finishing with a biography page, this beautiful book celebrates creativity and literature, and shows what can happen if you follow your dreams and listen to your feelings. Another glorious piece of biographical writing by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with stunning, stylish illustrations by Maxine Lee-Mackie. Beautiful!

Can't help but like this series. I've read about HCA in comic version, but rereading this in a kid friendly format was an adventure by itself. Hans had a hard life, being poor and not being able to read or write correctly until adulthood. But he never stopped doing what he likes, writing stories for both children and adults to read.

Until now, we all knows his stories, sometimes sad ones that brought us tears. Now I know why his stories are so sad. Please purchase one for you or your loved ones.

This is a great children’s book - introducing us to the life of Hans Christian Andersen. I loved the author incorporated the fact that Hans was an adult student, learning to write ( or at least improve his writing) because his family couldn’t afford to send him to school.

I just think the ending was a bit rushed - another page or two would have been perfect!

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Hans Christian Anderson is one of the latest installments in the Little People Big Dreams series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara.
This book is beautifully illustrated and tells the life of a world famous children's author. I even learnt something new as I didn't know that world book day is a day to celebrate his birthday on the 2nd April.
Hans grew up poor and worked hard to fulfill his dream of writing after much heartbreak in his life. His love of books and imaginative stories is shown within this short story from a book his family had as a prized possession when he was a young boy.
This series is a lovely, inspirational biographical series for young children encouraging them to go after and chase their dreams and be whatever they want to be.

I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books through NetGalley.
Another in the Little People Big Dreams series by Sanchez Vegara. In this volume, readers see Hans Christian Andersen come to life. They see his childhood and the determination he showed to pursue his dream of being a performer and later a writer. Andersen took his struggles and emotions and worked them into beautiful fairy tales that have become known the world over. His world was not easy and he worked to find joy in it. The illustrations make readers feel they are there watching the events unfold and the text allows elementary readers to discover him for themselves. The timeline included at the end of the book offers more factual information about his life.
This is the same high calibre I've come to expect from this author.

Hans Christian Andersen is another great book in Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara's Little People, Big Dreams series. I have enjoyed his stories for many years, especially The Red Shoes (I loved Kate Bush's version/film clip of that story!). This version introduced young readers to Hans' fairy tales and the background behind his success as a writer. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy.

I continue to love this series of books, and I'm always excited to read the new additions to the lineup. Didn't realize how little I knew about Hans Christian until I read this book. I loved the illustrations in this one--really seemed to show the lush world he experienced in his imagination across each page. And the way his story was presented (choosing to turn a loss into a place from which to create) was cool to see in a kids book.

This children's book goes (once again) to show that we learn everyday!

As most of us in the West, I am familiar with Andersen's work, it is with this stories that we grew up!

I never knew his life story though and this sweet book taught me about that.

The illustrations worked really well with the text and added to both the everyday life of the time but also to Hans' incredible imagination. Did you know that April second, Hans' birthday, is now Children's book day? Well now you do!

Loved it!
Thank you Netgalley for providing me an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

Such an interesting book about Hans Christian Andersen. We all know his stories but I know I didn’t know about the man. My son loves these books and finding out about where these famous ppl came from and their life. These are great reads for younger kids. Lots of information without being boring.

This book is another winner from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series. Hans Christian Anderson is highlighted. He is a man otherwise known as the father of fairy tales.

Little Hans was born in Denmark into a very poor family that could hardly keep a roof over their head. "They had one precious jewel that they kept carefully in the cupboard: a book". His father nightly read stories from that book to him and Hans fell asleep feeling like a superhero in those beloved stories. His desire was to become an artist but his hopes were dashed because he never got a prominent role to play, he always was cast as the troll. This disappointed him terribly.

While he was locked in his room waiting for another role to appear he spent his spare time writing. He showed one of his stories to the theater director, and although it was full of misspellings, the man found them enchanting. Hans jumped at a chance to go back to school and learn proper Danish which he needed to carry on with his writing.

He progressed on to write much loved poems, travelogues and stories that were loved by both young children and adults all over Europe. All his books were kept as treasures and read over and over again by the whole family. His stories were expanded into plays, ballets, and movies. Han's received a most high honour. On the second of April every year - the day of his birthday- kids all over the world now celebrate Children's Book Day. Hans now was loved worldwide.

The illustrations are fantastic and quirky which I love. The book features extra facts at the back including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the writer's life. I love this book and the entire series. I highly, highly recommend it.

We are big fans of the "Little People Big Dreams" books. My daughter loves hearing the stories of real people and how they follow their dreams. I didn't know much about Hans Christian Andersen and I enjoyed learning about his life as well. This is a great addition to this series and would be wonderful for a classroom or library. If your child loves this series as much as we do, I'd definitely give it a read!

The publisher made a copy of this book available via Netgalley. This is my honest review.

'Hans Christian Andersen' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Maxine Lee-Mackie is book 59 in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series.

Hans Christian Andersen was born poor in Denmark, but his family had one special possession: a book. He went to school to become a weaver, but his heart was elsewhere. He tried to get in to theater and when he wrote a story for his theater company. That started his path to becoming a beloved writer.

I loved the stories of Hans Christian Andersen as a child and I remember having a biography that I read numerous times. This is a pretty good adaptation of his life and includes some great colorful illustrations.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

Prior to reading this book, I do not think I ever knew anything about Hans Christian Andersen. I enjoyed reading it and it made me ant to learn more about him. I wish it had more specific details about his life, but overall it was a good book.

My favourite fairy tale is The princess and the pea… written by Hans Christian Andersen! I was pretty excited to get my hands on this short biography. And I enjoyed it! It was great to read about his childhood and what brought him to write! The illustrations by Maxine Lee-Mackie are fantastically colourful!

This book is part of the Little People, Big Dreams collection. It’s really great to introduce young ones (and less young ones) to authors, artists, scientists…