Hans Christian Andersen (often referred to in Scandinavia as H.C. Andersen) was a Danish author and poet. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales. Andersen's popularity is not limited to children; his stories — called eventyr, or "fairy-tales" — express themes that transcend age and nationality. At least, that’s one way to analyse the tale – but is its meaning actually a little more complex than its straightforward plot, and seemingly straightforward moral, suggest? This is especially true in the LGBTQ community. It is getting better nowadays, but people are still rejected for who they are made to be and must go out and find their own family. For those like me who have read many of his short stories, will see some similarities. But I like them. Here are other books in the Hampster Early Readers Series which I have reviewed. Each title links to my review:

Ugly Duckling - Educational Technology Clearinghouse The Ugly Duckling - Educational Technology Clearinghouse

It is one of the cutest fairy tales I've read. The story portrayed pain and triumph, humor, and compassion beautifully. It was mainly about how painful and difficult it can be to discover our inner beauty just because of outward appearance. It's an excellent children's book with a beautiful message. Indeed, this aspect of the tale has led to some biographical speculation, including the (rather fanciful) idea that Andersen was drawing on the recent revelation that he had been a changeling as a baby, and that he was actually the illegitimate son of Prince Christian Frederik, who later became King Christian VIII of Denmark. According to Carole Rosen, the story was inspired in part by Andersen's friend Jenny Lind. [3] Adaptations [ edit ] Disney's 1931 version Disney's 1939 version Beautifully illustrated, classic children's tale, with a moral. One of my favorites as a child. Very short story, suitable for reading as a bedtime story. It is only with the heart that one can see clearly, for the most essential things are invisible to the eye.And the end of the story is just perfect, making this one of the world's most uplifting and heartwarming tales. In my opinion it is Hans Christian Andersen's masterpiece. It has been translated into many languages and published around the world. It has become his most famous story. The 1939 Silly Symphony". The Internet Animation Database. Archived from the original on 2013-11-11 . Retrieved 2012-08-04. In the entire book, the word ‘ugly’ appeared rather strongly for me. The definitive nature of ‘ugly’ changes when it is used as a ‘Label’. Once labeled, a person is persecuted, detested and constantly reminded of one’s deficits in such a way that the identity of a person solidifies as one of ‘handicap’; becoming a ‘self’ ruptured beyond repair. I would recommend that if you read this story to your little ones, do not just focus on imparting the above mentions lessons from the book, but also impart sensitivity to and appreciation of ‘the differences’ that exist in this world. This little story, which is beautiful illustrated by Jerry, is such a roadmap and a reminder for those people born in the family that rejects them, that there is a place out in the world with people like them where they can belong. There is a place of acceptance and a place to gracefully fly. I have seen it so many times.

The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen | Goodreads The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen | Goodreads

It's no wonder you don't feel at home in the farmyard, if you've been hatched from a swan's egg ... The three great swans swam round him stroking him with their beaks ... Some little children came running into the garden..."Look - there's a new swan! They shouted with delight ... The new one is the most beautiful of all—so young and handsome! ... He was almost too happy but not proud, for a good heart is never vain. He thought of how he had been persecuted and depised, and now everyone said he was the most beautiful of these beautiful birds.”It might be silly, but all I heard in this tale was everyone saying he was ugly, he deciding to hide in sadness and despair until something (he didn't do anything) improved on its own and he was happy. Hans Christian Andersen was a storyteller and poet who lived in Denmark from April 2, 1805 - August 5, 1875. His most