Hello, friends! 👋
Today, we have a special update for International Children’s Book Day!
We will read a special fairy tale written by Clever Hedgehog, learn about a famous fairy tale author, and read more fun books!
Read a fairy tale by Clever Hedgehog
How the children got into a fairy tale
Once upon a time, there were a brother and sister named Andriyko and Mariyka. Their favorite time of day was in the evening when their mother read them fairy tales. They always awaited these moments, as each story opened a magical world of adventures.
“Mariyka, what do you think Mom will read to us tonight?” Andriyko asked his sister.
“Probably my favorite story about ‘The Sister Fox‘!” the girl replied. “And what about you?”
“I’d like the one about ‘Two Bear Cubs and the Fox.’ “
фото: AI
Just then, their mother entered the room with a new thick book and said, “Tonight, we’ll read fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen.”
“Interesting!” the children thought as they listened attentively. But it was already late; the children’s eyes closed, and they… found themselves in a fairy-tale kingdom. Mariyka suddenly realized she was sitting on a massive pile of mattresses as if she were some princess. But something was pressing uncomfortably from below, making it unbearable to sit, so she jumped down to the floor.
She looked around and saw a desk in the corner of the room. There she saw Andriyko, who was crying. She ran up to him and asked, “Andriyko, why are you crying?”
The boy looked at her and said, “I’m not Andriyko; I’m the famous writer Hans Christian Andersen, and I’m writing a sad tale about a duckling that everyone rejects.”
And just as he said this, from somewhere far away, their mother’s voice rang out loudly, saying: “And that’s the end of the tale!”
In an instant, the children found themselves back in their room, eyes wide open.
Then their mother asked: “So, which tale did you like more—’The Princess and the Pea‘ or ‘The Ugly Duckling‘?”
The children just looked at each other and thought: “What a dream that was!”
фото: AI
🦊🦆👩📚
Now, let’s learn who Hans Christian Andersen was and why International Children’s Book Day is celebrated on his birthday.
Hans Christian Andersen – the famous fairy tale author
Hans Christian Andersen was a famous Danish writer, born on April 2, 1805, in the city of Odense, Denmark. He became famous for his fairy tales, which are known to children and adults worldwide. Throughout his life, Andersen wrote over 150 fairy tales, including well-known stories like “Thumbelina,” “The Princess and the Pea,” “The Snow Queen,” and “The Ugly Duckling“. “The Ugly Duckling” is considered one of his most famous tales.
Andersen is famous for his children’s stories, but he also wrote tales for adults. Hans Christian Andersen loved to draw and make intricate paper cuttings, which he often gave as gifts to his friends. Andersen loved to travel, and his adventures often appeared in his fairy tales. For example, The Ugly Duckling was inspired by his own life story. Many statues of Andersen exist worldwide, and in his hometown, Odense (Denmark), there is even a museum dedicated to his life and works!
📖💫 Do you like Andersen’s fairy tales? What’s your favorite? 😊
International Children’s Book Day
Since 1967, April 2nd, the birthday of the great storyteller Hans Christian Andersen has been celebrated worldwide as International Children’s Book Day. This holiday emphasizes the important role of children’s literature in shaping the spiritual and intellectual outlook of new generations.
Children’s books are not just for entertainment. They help children understand the world, develop imagination, and teach empathy and kindness. Through images understandable to children, these books tell about life, showing various life situations and helping the little ones overcome difficulties.
Did you know?
The first illustrated children’s book in the world
A book called “Orbis Sensualium Pictus” (“The World of Sensual Things in Pictures”) written by Czech teacher Jan Amos Comenius back in the 17th century was the first book to combine text with pictures, like in a textbook.
Books in miniature
In 1996, the University of Iowa Libraries received a special gift of over 4,000 mini-books from Charlotte M. Smith. She had collected these tiny books over the years, and they span a variety of time periods, from the 17th century to the present. 📚
The first children’s book in Ukraine
In Ukraine, the first printed book for children appeared even earlier, in 1574. It was “Bukvar”, published by the famous printer Ivan Fedorov in Lviv. This little book helped children learn letters and learn to read. It contained the alphabet, reading samples and exercises that made the learning process easier and more interesting.
READ A BOOK
Read books, immerse yourselves in magical worlds, and discover new horizons of knowledge and adventures!
If you also have an idea or material, and dream of creating a similar book – write us a letter at storieswithcleverhedgehog@gmail.com and maybe your book will be the next to delight children in the library on the #CleverHedgehogLibrary
Fun Activities with Clever Hedgehog
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tags: Hans Christian Andersen, International Children’s Book Day, fairy tales for children
