Thumbelina introduced by Isak Dinesen

Here is another fairytale book we have illustrated by Ugo Fontana.  It's a selection of stories by Hans Christian Andersen introduced by that other wonderful Danish author, Isak Dinesen (this is the pen name of Karen Blixen who also wrote about living in Africa in Out of Africa.)  Sandro Nardini shares the illustrating credit.  I've always liked the story The Tinderbox (included in this collection) because of the disturbing image of the "dog with eyes as big as teacups".  

Thumbelina

And Other Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

introduced by Isak Dinesen

illustrated by Sandro Nardini 

and Ugo Fontana 1962

The Snow Queen

I haven't seen the movie Frozen yet.  Charlotte has and loved it- she's 5, so of course!  I know Disney always changes the fairy tales and this one doesn't even remotely resemble Andersen's classic.  Which is too bad since Madeleine and I have always said that the story of a young girl, "Gerda" facing danger and meeting all sorts of magical adventures to save her friend, "Kai" would make a good children's movie, and a nice departure from the "princess" stories.

We have the original story by Anderson which was mailed to Madeleine by her friend Hayley years ago.  How fun to have a book sent to you this way!

 The Snow Queen and Other Tales

Hans Christian Andersen

A Greeting Card Book 1969

Gerda and Kai are children, and the best of friends.  But one day Kai hitches his sled to the back of the Snow Queen's sleigh and in no time he is wisked away from his home, forgetting all about Gerda.  Gerda then goes in search of her playmate.  She gets help from the river and flowers and animals, she meets an old woman who tries to keep her as her own and a young prince and princess who aid her in her search.  At one point a band of robbers captures her and she is saved and befriended by a little robber-maid.  Off on a reindeer she heads to the most northern place to find the Snow Queen's palace.  When she finally finds Kai, he is like ice and only Gerda's love and kisses melt his heart and bring him back. 

 The Snow Queen

Hans Christian Andersen

translated by Marlee Alex

Illustrated by Uwe Hantsch 1988

 

We also have an illustrated version that uses the story as a basis for teaching biblical values.  There is a "study key" in the back that applies scripture verses to the themes of the story.  And the introduction writes:  "From his early childhood in the town of Odense, Denmark, until his death in Copenhagen, Hans Christian Andersen had a valid Christian faith that manifested itself in many of the approximately 150 stores and tales he wrote.  In one of them, he said:  'In every human life, whether poor or great, there is an invisible thread that shows we belong to God.'  The thread in Andersen's stories is one of optimism which has given hope and inspiration to people all over the world."

I just think the pictures in this edition are pretty wild!

 The Snow Queen

Eileen Kernaghan 2000

In the Young Adult genre is Eileen Kernaghan's retelling of the Snow Queen.  She does a wonderful job of really developing Gerda's character and building a story with the robber-girl that she befriends (Kernaghan names her "Rivka").   And the story becomes about the angst of growing up and finding out who you are, what you are capable of.  It's a bit different in spirit from the original, but still retains the magic and fantasy of the story.  I really loved it and have been trying to get Madeleine to read it because I think she would too.   

The Snow Queen

We had snow last night, just enough to make this morning, with it's pink sunrise, look startlingly beautiful.  No doubt it will melt today- great clumps are already dropping off the trees.  I was looking for a snow book to list and remembered this fairy tale.  With its story of friendship, robbers, a wild queen, a brave girl, and adventures over a frozen snowy landscape, it seemed perfect.

The Snow Queen

adapted by Naomi Lewis

illustrated by Errol Le Cain 1979

A version of Hans Christian Andersen's story with remarkable pictures by Errol Le Cain. The magical story follows two friends, Kay and Gerta. When Kay is lured away by the "tall, slender, brilliantly white" Snow Queen he forgets all about Gerta and his home.  But Gerta is determined to find him, asking wherever she goes and being led on her own deep adventure.  Past witches, rivers, crows, princes, and castles, Gerta finally meets a robber girl who helps her on her journey.  And in the far north castle of the Snow Queen she rescues her friend.

Kay looked at the Snow Queen; he could not imagine a wiser or lovelier face.  And she flew with him high up into the dark storm clouds, while the wind whistled and roared as if it were singing old ballads.

The coach stopped at the courtyard of a ruined castle.  Ravens and crows flew out of holes in the walls.  Inside, a large fire was burning in the middle of the stone floor.  The smoke rose to the roof, and had to find its own way out.  A great cauldron of soup stood over the fire and was bubbling away.

But where was little Kay all this time?  He was in the great cold palace.  The walls were of driven snow; the doors were of cutting wind.  The snow had formed into more than a hundred enormous halls; all were vast, empty , glittering, and icy cold.  The largest was many miles long; in the midst of it was a frozen lake, and there the Snow Queen liked to sit when she was at home.