Abstract

Ten classic Andersen stories that can be enjoyed again and again by everyone from elementary school children to adults. The past 100 years, and the next 100 years--the second in the "Classic Stories to be Read for 100 Years" series.

This collection of fairy tales includes 10 classic Andersen stories that have been read for over 100 years, such as "Thumbelina," "The Little Mermaid," "The Emperor's New Clothes," and "The Fir Tree." Andersen, born in Denmark, pursued his dreams despite poverty. Kurahashi Rei beautifully and poetically illustrates these carefully selected, moving fairy tales. The book includes an explanation and a section on "The World of Andersen's Literature" with photographs at the end. The large-format softcover is easy to read, and all kanji have furigana (phonetic readings). This is a book that can be enjoyed again and again throughout one's life, from elementary school children to adults.

Author’s Information

Hans Christian Andersen (original author) was born in 1805 in Odense, Denmark, the son of a poor shoemaker. At the age of 14, he aspired to be an actor but failed. At the age of 30, he published "The Improviser," a novel based on his travels throughout Italy, which brought him worldwide fame. He went on to write numerous works, including "The Emperor's New Clothes," "The Ugly Duckling," and "The Little Match Girl," which are still read by people all over the world today. He passed away in 1875 at the age of 70.

Kurahashi Rei (illustrator) was born in Gifu Prefecture. Illustrator. Active in a wide range of fields, including illustrations for picture books and other books, and packaging illustrations. She also produces and sells original goods on her own website. Her picture books include "Remy's Drawer" (written by Rin Saito and Ukimaru/Shogakukan) and "The King's Sweets" (text by Mutsumi Ishii/Sekaibunkasha), and her illustrations for the storybook "Ku-chan and Gingami-chan: Two People Through the Four Seasons" (written by Kana Kitagawa/Iwasaki Shoten).

Yuriko Kimura (translator) was born in Osaka Prefecture. Translator. Graduated from the Danish Department of Osaka University of Foreign Studies (now the Faculty of Foreign Studies, Osaka University). Studied at the University of Copenhagen in 1971, and after returning to Japan, worked as a part-time lecturer at Osaka University of Foreign Studies and became a translator of children's books and novels from Scandinavia, England, and America. In recent years, she has also worked on new translations of Montgomery and Scandinavian mystery novels.