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.
Five Peas From a Pod
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
There were five peas in a pod: they held their line and waited for the moment to leave. For them, everything was green: they were green and their world, which was limited to their pod, was green as well. They were impatient to discover something other than this green world and were curious to find out who would go furthest in the world...
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?
What One Can Invent
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Once upon a time, a young man dreamed of becoming a writer and making a living from his pen. But there was a problem. The writers of the previous centuries had already exhausted all the subjects and he no longer knew what to write about! This is why he went to see a fortune teller, hoping that she could help him...
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"!
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.
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.
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.
In the Duck Yard
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
One day a Portuguese duck arrived at the duck house. Some said she came from Spain, but from then on all her descendants were called 'Portuguese'. Today, there is only one Portuguese duck at the duck house – and it is she who takes care of the song bird who fell from the roof while the cat was chasing it...
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...
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...
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.
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?
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.
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!
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 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
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...
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.
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...
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 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 Emperor's New Clothes
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
There was once an emperor who was only interested in one thing, his clothes. He spent all his money on his outfits and had a different one for every time of day and every occasion. One day, two thieves arrived in town pretending to be weavers who knew how to make the most beautiful and sophisticated fabrics, which had the marvellous property of only being visible to those who did their job well.. It was the perfect offer for our king, who immediately placed an order.-
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 Galoshes of Fortune
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
The Galoshes of Fortune have the power of carrying the person who wears them instantly to any time and place they desire – but is this really a good thing?
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!
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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
The Cripple
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Ole and Kristen worked for a lord who was both rich and good. Every year, for Christmas, together with his wife, he welcomed all the poor children of the area to the castle and treated them to a great celebration with gifts and feasting. As Ole and Kristen worked very hard, their children received more gifts than the others, even Hans, who was called the Cripple because his legs were too weak to carry him. But this year, while his brothers and sisters received warm clothes, Hans received only a story book. Ole and Kristen would have preferred warm clothing for him too, but Hans was happy to have something to read during the long hours he spent in his bed. Ole and Kristen worked hard to maintain the castle gardens and envied their master who was rich without needing to work. One evening, Hans heard his parents complaining about this once again and offered to read them one the stories from the book he had received for Christmas. Ole and Kristen would never have believed it, but the reading of a simply story would change the life of this poor family...
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.
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 Ice Maiden
by Hans Christian Andersen
read by Alex Lehman
Part of the Hans Christian Andersen's Stories series
Rudy lived close to the little town of Grindelwald in Switzerland. He lived with his uncle as his parents were both dead. Indeed, Rudy himself had almost died at the same time as his mother: while crossing a glacier, she had fallen into a crevasse while carrying Rudy, who was still a baby. When help arrived, it was too late to save the mother, but, to everyone's great joy, the baby was rescued. Or almost everyone... The only one who did not rejoice was the Ice Maiden...
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 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 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 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 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 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.
