The Neighbouring Families
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Many families lived close to the pond: the roses, the sparrows and even men. During a family discussion, the little sparrows asked their parents, what is Beauty? A question whose answer would arrive in the most unexpected way.
The Travelling Companion
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
When his father died, young Johannes did not know what to do. He was now all alone in the world and he was inconsolable. With his inheritance, he decided to explore the world and he had only one goal in mind: to be as good as his father in the hope of one day finding him again in heaven.
The Red Shoes
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
There was once a poor little girl called Karen. In summer, she walked barefoot and in winter, she wore clogs that hurt her feet. She had no choice, it was all she had. Dame Shoemaker wanted to help her and sewed, as best she could, a pair of red shoes. When she wore them for the first time, Karen's life took an unexpected turn.
The Angel
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
When a child dies, an angel comes to find them and bring them to heaven and they take with them some flowers so that they can bloom again above. But, this time, when the angel came, he stayed on earth longer than usual and, in this story, Hans Christian Andersen tells us why.
What the Old Man Does Is Always Right
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
A peasant and his wife owned a horse that grazed in a ditch close to their house. But they thought that it would be better for them to sell it or exchange it for something more useful. The woman sent her husband to town to exchange the horse – she trusted him because "what the old man does Is always right"!
The Ugly Duckling
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The Ugly Duckling (1842) tells the story of a duckling who is rejected by everyone, including his family, because he looks different. Tired of being made fun of, he decides to go far, far away, but the characters he meets on the way are no more tolerant...-
The Snail and the Rosebush
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
In the middle of a garden, beyond which stretched endless meadows, was a rose bush. Under the rose bush lived a snail who enjoyed talking to the rose bush. They asked themselves what, from this small garden, they could bring to the world.
The Daisy
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
A daisy was growing peacefully next to a country road, forgotten by everyone, but happy. She liked feeling the sun on her petals and listening to the birds sing. Nothing seemed likely to trouble her happiness, but many things can change from one day to the next.
What Old Johanne Told
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Rasmus was a bitter, pessimistic young boy who was nothing like his good and pious mother. Rasmus was with a free spirit and he could not bear living in a small town. So he set on a long, exhausting journey – leaving behind his home, his family and his childhood friend Johanne. Years passed and Rasmus returned. But the old Rasmus' spirit was not the same. The man was put under a spell. He was either going to be saved or the enchantment was going to kill him. The Old Johanne will tell us how Rasmus' life went and what happened with him. If you want to find out, read "What Old Johanne Told" by Hans Christian Andersen.
Holger Danske
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
In Denmark, there is an old castle called Kronborg. Situated on the coast, in summer boats come here from all over the world, but the reason for the castle's renown is hidden in its cellars. It is a statue of Holger Danske. Everyone in Denmark knows his history and the legend says that one day, the statue will come to life.
The Goblin and the Grocer
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
A goblin lived with a grocer whom he liked a lot because, at Christmas, the grocer never forgot to give him his porridge with a big knob of butter. Under the eaves of the grocer's house lived a student that the goblin had disliked at first sight. But, one day, when the goblin wanted to play a prank on the student, he discovered something that would transform his peaceful existence.
Ole, the Tower-Keeper
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
My friend Ole was an intelligent curious man with a great deal of knowledge. He had never obtained what he wanted from Men so he retired and lived as a hermit, alone at the top of a church tower. I will tell you about some of the visits I made to him and try to recall his words as best I can.
Under the Willow Tree
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Johanne and Knud lived close to the town of Kjöge, where there are many gardens that extend as far as the river. There is not much else, but it is charming in summer! It was under the willow-tree in one of these gardens that Johanne and Knud spent a great deal of their time and theirs was a beautiful friendship. But everything would change when Johanne had to leave for Copenhagen with her father! Would they remain friends? Or even, as Knud hoped, could they become more than friends?
The Rose Elf
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
In the rose bush in the middle of the garden lived a tiny elf, she was so small that it was impossible to see her with the naked eye. Behind each rose petal hides a room and the elf spent her days exploring the garden. At the bottom of the garden was a house where one day she saw a charming young woman, her lover and her evil brother. The tiny elf then found herself in the front row of a drama that would leave no one indifferent.
The Silver Shilling
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Once upon a time there was an honest piece of silver who passed from hand to hand and happily discovered his country. One day, his current owner travelled abroad, taking the piece of silver by accident – he only intended to take money from the country he was going to. And this is when the real adventures of the piece of silver began...
The Bell Deep
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
All the local children knew the river Odense and they all knew about the bell that could be found there. A long time ago, the bell, being tired, had fallen from its beam and had landed in the river, at the place, which is known today as the Bell-Deep. They say that when it rings, it tells stories of ancient times to the River Man... Could it be true?
The Farmyard Cock and the Weathercock
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
There were two cockerels on the farm: one lived in the henhouse and the other was a weather vane. Both thought they were better than the other, but what was the truth?
The Swineherd
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
A poor prince with a famous name became infatuated with a princess who was rather spoilt and wanted to marry her. So, he sent her gifts, but the princess was not satisfied and refused to meet him. But the prince would not give up and presented himself before the emperor and his daughter disguised as a swineherd.
The Last Pearl
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Everyone was happy: an heir had been born and mother and son were doing well! Almost all the fairies came to offer a gift to the newborn, there was just one missing who should have brought the last pearl... Luckily, the child's guardian angel knew where to find it!
Aunty Toothache
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Aunt Mille has always told me that I have the soul of a great poet. I am not sure about this, but I love her so much that I do not dare contradict her. The reason I love her so much is that she always gave me and my brothers and sisters lots of sweets when we were little. Now that I am a student, I have my own apartment and sometimes Aunt Mille comes to visit. The other night, while she was sleeping in the next bedroom, I received a visit from another, much less pleasant, lady... Since then, I do not see Aunt Mille in the same way!
The Nightcap of the "Pebersvend"
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
A long time ago, in Copenhagen, there lived an old bachelor who lived alone in a small shack and always slept with a nightcap that he pulled well down over his face. People laughed at his strange attire. However, there was a story behind this nightcap and, if it had been widely know, they would have mocked him less.
The Child in the Grave
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
He had been ill a long time and God came for him – the parents and sisters of the little four-year-old boy who had died were inconsolable. No chagrin was greater than that of the boy's mother, yet she found some consolation at her son's grave...
The Old Street Lamp
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
An old street lamp is at the end of its working life. It has had a long life and lots of people know it. So, friends come to visit on its last night on the job.
Little Claus and Big Claus
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
There were two men called Claus in the town. To tell them apart, one was called Big Claus, because he had four horses and the other, Little Claus, because he only had one horse. This is their story.
Clumsy Hans
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The king's daughter decided to marry the man who could best arrange his words. Two brothers, full of hope and well-prepared, set out to ask for her hand, when suddenly the third brother, Jack, joined them. They were surprised and laughed at him because he could not be as intelligent and know as much as they did and, of course, the princess would never marry Jack the Dullard...
She Was Good for Nothing
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
While the town judge was at his window, the son of the washerwoman passed before him. The judge said him unkind words to him about his mother. She drank to keep warm during the long days she spent washing in the freezing water of the river. He even told her son that she was good for nothing. But, not everyone thought so!
The Fir Tree
by H. C. Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
In the middle of the wood is a little fir tree who thinks of one thing only – growing bigger. He takes no pleasure from life because he always thinks about how he is not as big as the other fir trees. So, when the little fir tree finally grows up, Christmas approaches and his destiny is turned upside down.
The Old House
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
There was once an old house that was so dilapidated that it made the other houses in the street ashamed. But, the little boy who lived opposite liked it a lot and loved looking at it day and night. When, one day, the boy learned that the old man who owned the house was all alone, he decided to set things right.
The Psyche
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The star that is brightest this morning knows many things: she has watched over the earth for centuries and knows many things that we men have long forgotten. Today, she tells us the story of the Roman artist that only she knows...
The Candles
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The taper, made of tallow, is not as refined as the candle, which is made from wax – there is no doubt that it will be the candle who will have the honour of lighting the ballroom this evening. When the taper is offered to a poor boy, it asks itself if it will ever again have the opportunity of seeing people as happy as those who are going to the ball...
The Flying Trunk
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
On the death of his father, who was a rich merchant, the son inherited a vast fortune, which he quickly spent. He found himself alone with nothing except the dressing gown on his back and the slippers on his feet. A friend offered him a trunk and advised him to leave. But, this was a special trunk – it could fly! So, the young man decided to go to Turkey, where his dress would not be noticed, but that was just the beginning of his adventure.
The Bell
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
A bell could be heard just as well in the town as in the country, but no one knew exactly where the sound was coming from. The bell seemed to ring in the forest and its music was so particular that people began to search for it. Everyone wanted to find its origin, but who would follow the trail to its end?
The Wild Swans
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
"Far from here, in the land the swallows flee to in winter, lived a king who had eleven sons and one daughter, Elisa."
So begins the story of Elisa and her brothers. At the beginning, everything was well, they lived peacefully in the castle and were loved and indulged by their father, the king. But, one day the king decided to remarry and their stepmother did not want them. None of them. Elisa was sent to the country and the eleven boys were turned into swans. The days and the years passed and Elisa grew up forgotten by the world, but she never forgot her brothers and she missed them terribly.
The Elder-Tree Mother
by H. C. Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
A little boy who had caught a cold after getting his feet wet, drank an elder infusion that his mother had prepared to warm him up and his grandfather told him the story of the Little Elder-Tree Mother.
Grandmother
by H. C. Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Grandmother is old, kind, and she knows many stories. Between the pages of her psalter can be found a pressed withered rose that she often regards with a smile on her lips. Do you know why?
New Year's Eve Fairy Tales
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Bring in the New Year with the whimsical fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen! This collection of wonderful stories are centred around New Year's Eve and will enchant children and adults alike.
The collection contains the following fairy tales:
- The Little Match Girl
- The Story of the Year
- Ole, the Tower Keeper
- The Porter's Son
- The Gardener and the Noble Family
In the Uttermost Parts of the Sea
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
An expedition was taking place to the other side of the sea: many boats had been sent to the North Pole to explore the sea and the ice. It was winter and over there the days ran into each other in perpetual darkness. The sailors were far from their family, their country and even from dry land. But the youngest sailor knew that he was not alone and that he never would be.
The Story of the Year
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The new year had begun and January was already nearing its end, but it was still very cold. The sparrows found it strange, that the men had declared that it was the new year, as everyone knows that the year only begins with the coming of spring. However, spring was late and a few intrepid sparrows decided to go looking for it.
The Great Sea Serpent
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
One sunny day, when a little sea fish was swimming joyfully with his eighteen thousand brothers and sisters, the water was darkened by an enormous eel who came from above and was heading deeper into the sea. It disappeared very quickly and as soon as the calm had returned, the cutest little fish, who was also the most curious, went looking for information to find out who this newcomer to the Ocean was. Could it be the great sea serpent?
The Snow Queen
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
One day, a diabolical troll made a mirror that showed everything beautiful as ugly and all that was good as evil. Delighted, the trolls decided to carry their mirror to heaven and mock the angels, but on the way the mirror shattered and pieces of the mirror spread across the world. This was how some became windows and others were made into spectacles, but the most unfortunate received tiny pieces in their eyes or in their heart, changing their life for ever. That is what happened to little Kay, to the great chagrin of his neighbour, Gerda, and this is how he crossed the path of the Snow Queen.
The Beetle
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
On the day that the emperor's horse received his golden horseshoes as a reward for his heroic deeds, the beetle who shared his stable was very jealous. The smith refused to make shoes for his little feet and the beetle's anger went up a notch. So, furious, he left the stable and set off to discover the world alone.
Twelve by the Mail
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The bells has just sounded the twelve strikes of midnight announcing the start of a new year, when a mail coach stopped at the entrance to the town. On board, were twelve party-goers who wanted to enter. But who were they?
The Old Oak Tree's Last Dream
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
On the top of a cliff overlooking the sea was an oak tree that was 365 years old. It was an unimaginable age for the mayflies, tiny creatures who lived only one day. The oak only slept during the winter. The rest of the year, he remained alert. That year, like every year, he began to lose his leaves in autumn. He knew that he was about to go to sleep for the last time!
The Story of a Mother
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
A child is gravely ill and his mother has already spent three nights at his bedside. Then, a strange man knocks on the door and she bids him enter to shelter from the cold. But, it was death himself at the door and he made the most of the mother falling asleep to steal her son. So, she decided to go after him.
Ib and Little Christine
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
In Gudenau, in the forest of Silkeborg, lived a farmer, Jeppe Jans, and his son, Ib. In winter, when there was nothing to do in the fields, Jeppe Jans made clogs and Ib tried to do the same. Not far away, lived the boatman and his daughter, Christina. She would often accompany her father on his travels by boat, but when the journey was too long and he did not want to take her, she stayed with Ib. It was then, during their early childhood, that their friendship began.
The Shadow
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
A scholar from a cold country lived in a hot country, but he found it difficult to adapt to the climate. In the daytime, his shadow became tiny: it really was too hot for him. So, he stayed at home and went out in the evening. As the temperature went down, the town came to life. One night, the scholar was woken by a mysterious and intriguing light. What was it? How could it be explained? That is what he would try to discover.
The Garden of Paradise
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
"There was once the son of a king who had many books, no one had more and no one had more beautiful: everything that had happened in the world, he could learn of it and see it represented in amazing pictures. He could find out about any people and any country, but where was the Garden of Paradise? There was no word of it and so, of course, that was what he thought of most."
A prince wanted to know where the Garden of Paradise could be found and what it looked like because he well knew it was not as his grandmother described it. His search for an answer would lead him to meet the mother of winds and her four children, who had plenty to tell him.
The Elf Mound
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The lizards were complaining about all the noise coming from the Elfin Hill. Rumour said that the elves were expecting guests, strangers. They were preparing a great ball.