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...
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 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.
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.
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 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 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!
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 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 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.
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...
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.
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 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
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 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 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 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
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 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 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.
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 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 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 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...
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
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 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.
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 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 Metal Pig
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
In the city of Florence is a bronze statue of a boar, from who's mouth runs the water that is collected by the people of Florence. One evening, a poor boy came to drink and found a little lettuce and a few chestnuts on the ground, which became his supper. He then fell asleep on the animal's back, but when midnight sounded, the animal came to life. And so their adventure began!
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?
Little Tuk
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Little Tuk had to learn his lesson for the next day but he was far too busy with other things and so he found himself with the sun already setting, while his family did not have enough money to keep the lanterns lit at night. Would he learn his lesson in time?
The Thorny Road of Honor
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The men of our world who experience glory do not generally attain it easily. There have been several martyrs who, before knowing honour, have had to follow a very thorny path...
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...
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 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.
Luck May Lie in a Pin
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
To every child born, God offers a gift – this gift is not placed in their cradle, but in a secret place, where no one would dream of looking for it. So, this gift can be found in many different places, even in a simple stick...
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!
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 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 Shirt Collar
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
This is the story of a false shirt collar, who, when he was of marriageable age, met a shy garter in the washing. So, he set out on a quest to seduce her, which was not without its difficulties.
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 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.
