This picture book is long but feels very short. In this book Hans Christian Andersen is riding in a stagecoach with a young Elsa. He’s talking with Elsa and entertaining her by telling her the story of his life, including all the magic he’s created on paper. The way this story is done, it’s both biography and a fairytale in its own right. Certain pages have one wanting to pull out old copies of Princess and the Pea, or The Snow Queen. This book is lovely and very well done. ( )

Before I even start, the illustrations are W-O-W!! I am blown away by how pretty this book is! Especially the flying goose, that was cool.

Okay, to the review:

This is a great, little non-fiction book about Hans Christian Anderson's life. There's lots of still frames coloured beautifully, in what looks like water colour, to showcase Hans' life. He tells his story to a little girl in a trolley, and it whisks them away to his adventure. The fairy tales he tells are full of colour and wonder, lighting up the page.

I think this is a unique and absolutely marvellous way to tell a story. I'm super intrigued and honestly adored it! It's fantastic and I highly recommend both kids and adults alike pick it up. It's a gem!

Five out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and North South Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. ( )

Great picture book; great biography ( )

"The most wonderful fairytale is life itself. "
Hans Christian Andersen

A little girl travels with her lither to Copenhagen. It is going to be a long and tedious journey and the little one isn't enthusiastic about it. But there is also a very special passenger in the carriage that takes them to the capital. An elderly gentleman that seems to know many tales and all the mysteries of life.

He will share his finest story with the little girl. He will narrate the tale of a young boy whose father loved fairytales until the day he died, broken by the war. He will share his dreams and frustrations, his love for theatre and music. And writing. He will tell her all about Thumbelina, The Wild Swans, The Princess and the Pea, The Ugly Duckling, The Tinker Box, The Ice Queen.

His name was Hans Christian Andersen.

A beautiful book, mockingly written by Heins Janisch, gloriously illustrated by Maja Kastelic. Watch out for references to the most beloved heroines and heroes of our childhood, all well-hidden in the gorgeous illustrations.

This is easily one of the most beautiful books for our little readers.

Many thanks to NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/ ( )