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.
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.
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 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 Most Incredible Thing
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The princess's hand in marriage was promised to the man who could accomplish the most incredible thing. He would also receive half of the Kingdom. All the young men, and the not-so-young men, dreamt of this prize and would do their best to achieve the most incredible things...
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.
Tales About Love
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
What is love? What does it take to love? Let Hans Christian Andersen's beloved characters show you what love could be, what it takes to love and how love can manifest itself in many different ways, shapes and form! A collection for the curious and empathetic young and adult readers.
Contains the following fairy tales:
- The Steadfast Tin Soldier
- The Little Mermaid
- The Ugly Duckling
- The Shepherdess and the Chimney-Sweep
- The Sweethearts
- The Happy Family
- The Story of a Mother
Tales About Courage
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
What is courage? What does it take to be brave? How does courage show? Follow Hans Christian Andersen's beloved characters on their adventures and discover what courage means to them. A collection of for the curious and empathetic young and adult readers.
Contains the following fairy tales:
- The Steadfast Tin Soldier
- Little Ida's Flowers
- The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep
- Thumbelina
- Ole Lukoie
The Shepherdess and the Chimney-Sweep
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Once upon a time, a china shepherdess and a chimney sweep who were placed close to each other decided to marry. However, another doll, who said he was the shepherdess's grandfather, wanted her to marry the major general engraved on the dresser...
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 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 Snow Man
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The snowman had just been born under the eyes and joyful laughter of children. How he loved the cold! His only problem was the shiny ball in the sky that keep looking at him, without him understanding why... The young snowman still had a lot to learn!
Pen and Inkstand
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The inkstand was so proud of himself! Someone who was visiting a poet praised it, saying that wonderful things could come out of an inkstand. But, are all the beautiful poems made by the inkstand alone? The quill did not agree...
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 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.
The Gardener and the Noble Family
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Larsen was a very good gardener, but the noble family he served always found fault with the fruit and vegetables he produced in the garden and the vegetable patch or with the flowers chosen to adorn the castle interior. However, proof of his excellence was everywhere and Larsen never abandoned his work.
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.
Something
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Once upon a time there were five brothers who had arrived at the age where they asked themselves what they would become. Each of the brothers wanted to become "something" and each thought that their profession would be better than that of his brothers. However, whatever profession we choose, the important thing it to bring something good and useful to the world...
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 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.
Ole Lukoie
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
"In all the world, no one knows as many stories as Ole-Luk-Oie. He really knows how to tell a tale."
Every evening, Ole-Luk-Oie lulled the children with his stories and, one they were asleep, if they were good, he gave them beautiful dreams using his two umbrellas. What is Ole-Luk-Oie's week like and what stories does he tell? Find out here.
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 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.
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
Tales About Truth
by H. C. Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
What is truth? What better way to learn about the topic of truth than through the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen? The storyline of these fairy tales offers a wonderful platform to think about and discuss truth and its ethical and moral aspects. A collection for the curious and empathetic young and adult readers, who would like to dive into the magical world of the beloved author.
Contains the following fairy tales:
- The Emperor's New Clothes
- The Snow Queen
- Clumsy Hans
The Little Match Girl
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
This story, one of Andersen's best known, tells the tale of a poor little girl who was sent by her parents to sell matches in the street. It is Christmas Even and it is very cold, but she dare not return home empty-handed. Instead, to try and warm herself, she lights one match at a time, revealing an extraordinary, but ephemeral, world with each one.
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 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.
A Story
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Once there was a pastor who always gave terrifying sermons. He promised that sinners would burn in hell and, in his eyes, everyone had committed sufficient wrongs to deserve this punishment. Despite his impressive speeches, the pastor's wife did not believe that everyone could be as bad as all that. When she died, the pastor was very sad. But one night, the dead woman's ghost appeared and took him on an adventure that led him to question everything he had previously believed.
The Steadfast Tin Soldier
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
"Once upon a time, there were twenty-five tin soldiers who were all brothers, as they were all born from an old tin spoon. They held their weapons on their arms, their heads were turned to the right and their uniform, red and blue, was rather smart."
One tin soldier, though he was exactly the same as his brothers, found himself, by accident, setting out alone on a series of adventures. But do not worry, this tin soldier was afraid of nothing.
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!
Tales About Hope
by H. C. Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
What is hope? Hope shines through the fairy tales selected for this collection. Let Hans Christian Andersen enchant you and let your favourite characters teach you about what hope is and how to find it even at the darkest moments! A collection for the curious and empathetic young and adult readers.
Contains the following fairy tales:
- The Little March Girl
- The Nightingale
- The Flying Trunk
- The Swineherd
- The Wild Swans
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.
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.
The Happy Family
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Next to a long-abandoned castle, grows a jungle of burdock. Under the great green leaves live two old snails, descended from a long lineage, whose ancestors were served on silver platters to the inhabitants of the castle. The couple are waiting for just one thing, to be cooked as well...
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.
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.
Little Ida's Flowers
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Little Ida liked the student, who always had a tale to tell, a lot. So, one morning, when little Ida's flowers had all withered, she asked the student what could have happened to them.
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 Bottle Neck
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
In the tallest and poorest house in a very narrow winding street, was an attic with a single window. Behind this window, was a bird in a cage; the state of the house and the cage were so miserable that the bird did not even have a cup for drinking: he had to make do with the neck of a bottle closed with a stopper. The bird had no problem with this and sang joyfully – as for the bottle neck, he remembered the good old days when he was still a bottle...
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.
The Storks
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
"One of you will be hanged, the second imprisoned, the third burned and the fourth turned upside down." This is how the children mocked the family of storks that lived on the roof. This frightened the chicks and, to reassure them, their mother spoke of the long journey they would soon take. And, who knows, perhaps one day they would have their revenge on the little tyrants who mocked them in their nest.
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 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 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 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 Flax
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The flax is flowering and has a happy future before him. He will grow, be gathered and transformed into beautiful fabric. He is very impatient, but he still has some lessons to learn, among them that which says we should be happy with what we have. Snip, snap, snurre, begins the song!
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...