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The Little Mermaid Hardcover – September 1, 2004
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The text is an all-new translation by Anthea Bell, and includes many lovely and poignant details that may be new to even those who think they know the little mermaid's story well.
- Reading age4 - 8 years
- Print length48 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade levelPreschool - 3
- Dimensions9.25 x 0.25 x 11.25 inches
- PublisherMinedition
- Publication dateSeptember 1, 2004
- ISBN-100698400011
- ISBN-13978-0698400016
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
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From School Library Journal
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From Booklist
Gr. 3-5. Artist Zwerger expands her repertoire of beguilingly illustrated tales by two, both of which contain surprises for readers primarily familiar with popular film or stage versions. Mermaid reinstates the tragic ending and spiritual-mystical components abandoned by Disney; nutcracker, though condensed by adaptor Susanne Koppe, preserves the Mouse King's seven heads and devotes a good chunk of the narrative (as in Hoffman's original) to the story-within-a-story starring Princess Pirlipat. The hypnotic, even slightly chilly, sensibility that pervades Zwerger's work seems a more logical accompaniment to the poignant Mermaid than to Nutcracker, whose spirited fantasy seems somehow dampened by the artist's penchant for quiet, dimly lit scenes and slightly arcane imagery. Zwerger first illustrated The Nutcracker and the Mouse King in 1979, but has created entirely new paintings this time around, which will compete for balletomanes' attention with Sendak's lengthier, more rambunctious 1981 treatment. These renditions of cherished stories will prove useful in the coming months, as the 200th anniversary of Andersen's birth approaches and as ballet companies commence their annual march to the Kingdom of Sweets. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Minedition
- Publication date : September 1, 2004
- Edition : First Edition
- Language : English
- Print length : 48 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0698400011
- ISBN-13 : 978-0698400016
- Item Weight : 1 pounds
- Reading age : 4 - 8 years
- Dimensions : 9.25 x 0.25 x 11.25 inches
- Grade level : Preschool - 3
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,891,583 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #882 in Children's Folk Tale & Myth Anthologies
- #18,902 in Classic Literature & Fiction
- #38,371 in Children's Literature (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Hans Christian Andersen (/ˈhɑːnz ˈkrɪstʃən ˈændərsən/; Danish: [hanˀs kʰʁæsd̥jan ˈɑnɐsn̩] ( listen); often referred to in Scandinavia as H. C. Andersen; 2 April 1805 – 4 August 1875) was a Danish author. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales. Andersen's popularity is not limited to children; his stories, called eventyr in Danish or "fairy-tales" in English, express themes that transcend age and nationality.
Andersen's fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125 languages, have become culturally embedded in the West's collective consciousness, readily accessible to children, but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well. Some of his most famous fairy tales include "The Emperor's New Clothes", "The Little Mermaid", "The Nightingale", "The Snow Queen", "The Ugly Duckling", and many more.
His stories have inspired ballets, both animated and live-action films, and plays.
Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Thora Hallager (1821-1884) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
Michael Hague was born in Southern California in 1948. His mother, Marie, emigrated from England just after World War II and settled in California where she met and married Riley Hague. Michael is the eldest of three children. His mother introduced him to the stories and art in the fairytale books she enjoyed herself as a child. He attributes this and his mother's encouragement to pursue drawing while growing up, to his interest in becoming an illustrator.
Michael Hague was influenced by a wide variety of artistic styles, ranging from the movies of the Disney Studios, to the oriental printmakers Hokusai and Hiroshige. His mother banned comics from their house when Michael was a child, which of course made them all the more attractive to the young artist. Exploring this genre he discovered the work of the comic artists Hal Foster and Windsor McKay. The artists from the Golden Age of Illustration such as Arthur Rackham, W Heath Robinson, Howard Pyle, and Dulac also influenced his work and he is an avid collector of their books and art. His study of classical fine art contributed to his skills in drawing, painting and composition.
Mr. Hague describes his technique: "Once the subject is chosen, I start out with very small compositional sketches. These small thumbnails are then enlarged to full-sized sketches, where I develop the details of the picture. From there I proceed to re-create these initial sketches as finished pencil illustrations. When these drawings are completed, I am ready to begin painting. Today I have added a new tool to the painting process of my work, the computer. Often I do the complete coloring process on the computer. Other times I paint and then rework the piece on the computer. It has opened up a whole new world of possibilities and I am still discovering new ways to paint and draw."
About his work, Michael Hague says, "I count myself as one of the most fortunate of beings. For as an artist I have not only the pleasure but also the duty to daydream. It is a part of my work. I have been a contented daydreamer all of my life, often to the exasperation of those around me. I have always wanted to be a book illustrator. Books are what got me interested in the art field in the first place. I try to infuse my illustrations with the same spirit that the author of the story produces in my imagination. I strive to create something from an empty canvas that becomes a whole "other world" that people can visit for a while and totally believe in --- that's what is exciting to me as an artist. It doesn't matter whether it is a Greek myth or an American legend, my approach is the same, to try and blend fantasy with realism."
In 1980, the classic novel, Wind in the Willows with illustrations by Michael Hague, ushered in a new era in children's books. During the following decades his artistic talents brought attention to this magnificent tale and other classics in children's literature. Millions of children and adults re-discovered these wonderful stories and delighted in the visions Michael created. Mr. Hague continues to work expanding his art to comics and graphic novels.
Photo Copyright: Adam Fedderly
Charles Santore’s (b. Philadelphia, 1935) work as an illustrator is celebrated and diverse. Not only has he illustrated for top advertising agencies and leading magazines (TV Guide, Redbook, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, The Saturday Evening Post, Reader’s Digest, Time, Life, Newsweek, and other publications) but his artwork is also included in distinguished collections such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Brandywine River Museum in Pennsylvania and the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Since 1986, Santore has added children’s book illustration to his broad body of work, including the following classics: The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Other Cherished Stories, Aesop’s Fables, The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, Snow White, The Fox and the Rooster, Paul Revere's Ride; the Landlord’s Tale, The Camel’s Lament, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, The Night before Christmas and version of Jack and the Beanstalk for limited Internet distribution. Santore most recently illustrated Margery Williams Bianco’s beloved The Velveteen Rabbit, which, along with his versions of Aesop’s Fables, The Night before Christmas, The Wizard of Oz and his own William the Curious: Knight of the Water Lilies, was selected by US retailer Kohl’s for its seasonal Kohl’s Cares merchandise program supporting children’s initiatives in communities nationwide. In addition to William, Santore is also author/illustrator of A Stowaway on Noah’s Ark, Three Hungry Pigs and the Wolf That Came to Dinner, and The Silk Princess.
Santore has received numerous awards and recognition for his artistic excellence, both for his past achievements in the magazine and advertising fields and for his children’s books, including the Society of Illustrators Award of Excellence and prestigious Hamilton King Award, and the Alumni Award of the Philadelphia College of Art. In 1998, his first original book, William the Curious, Knight of the Water Lilies, received the 1998 Storytelling World Honor Title. His subsequent book A Stowaway on Noah’s Ark won the Gold Medal at the 2000 Society of Children’s Illustrators Annual Show, and in 2003, he won the Silver Medal at the Society of Illustrators Annual Show for his illustrations for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Paul Revere’s Ride: the Landlord’s Tale. Santore’s illustrated edition of this American classic was also named 2004 Children’s Book of the Year for Poetry by the Bank Street College Children’s Book Committee.
His illustrations for Aesop’s Fables were the inspiration for a series of national and international Merill Lynch TV commercials aired during the 1993 Winter Olympic Games, for which several works from his book were animated. In 1995, a selection of Santore's illustrations for The Wizard of Oz, widely considered to be the quintessential illustrated version (of which a new edition has recently been published), were used as the scenic backdrops for a major television performance of the work. Santore was also the subject of the 1997 documentary Charles Santore Illustrates the Wizard of Oz, in which he describes his artistic vision and approach to illustrating L. Frank Baum’s classic tale.
Santore’s work has also been the focus of several major exhibitions. In 1992, he was honored for his work in book illustration with a major exhibition at the Brandywine River Museum, and his work was also included in the traveling exhibition Myth, Magic and Mystery: One Hundred Years of American Children’s Book Illustration, where it appeared alongside work by renowned illustrators such as Maurice Sendak and N.C. Wyeth. Santore’s illustrations for Paul Revere’s Ride: the Landlord’s Tale were one of the highlights and inspirations for the 2005 exhibit Paul Revere’s Ride and Longfellow’s Legend, at the Brandywine River Museum and the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, Massachusetts. In 2009, he created the official poster for the 2009 National Book Festival in Washington, DC, and was one of the event's featured authors. In 2012, Santore was honored with a retrospective at The Society of Illustrators in New York.
Santore lives and works in Philadelphia. His next project will be announced shortly.
Customer reviews
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Customers find the book beautifully illustrated and easy to read, with one review noting it captures the wonder of the original story. Moreover, they appreciate its readability, with one customer mentioning it takes about an hour to finish, and find it intriguing. Additionally, the book is suitable for both children and adults. However, the story receives mixed reactions, with several customers describing it as sad.
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Customers appreciate the beautiful illustrations in this book, which enhance the reading experience, with one customer noting it's an absolutely beautiful rendition of the original story.
"...It's a bit bigger than I expected, but its beautiful!..." Read more
"I read my book in a day. The illustrations are beautiful." Read more
"...Very interesting and very glad I read it. Very insightful." Read more
"A beautifully written book about a young woman who falls in love and cannot express that love...." Read more
Customers appreciate the story quality of this book, describing it as a classic tale that is a great short read.
"...The story of the little mermaid is a great story and Disney made it's version even better...." Read more
"It's a classic story that everyone should read at least once. Definitely much different from what I think many people would imagine." Read more
"Great short read." Read more
"Classic book. Very fast read." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and fast-paced, with one mentioning it takes about an hour to finish.
"Classic book. Very fast read." Read more
"...As for this particular story, it read fast and had a great theme, as all fairy tales should." Read more
"...The book is in english and the recipient is French, but reads a little english...." Read more
"The translation from the original Danish is very nice. And that's what I bought the book for...." Read more
Customers find the book insightful and intriguing, with one customer noting its perfect balance of mysticism.
"...Carefully constructed, beautifully written with a perfect balance of mysticism and pragmatism...." Read more
"...I was surprised at how good the story is, how much deeper it is than the Disney version...." Read more
"Loved it! It was very much "old world" but so intriguing to say the least. Would read this again for sure." Read more
"...The story by Hans Christian Andersen is inspiring and beautiful. The imagery in this book is really memorable. The books are real treasures...." Read more
Customers find the book suitable for various age groups, with one mentioning it works well for both teens and adults, while another notes it can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
"...I feel this book would make for interesting group discussion for teen girls...." Read more
"...It is original and understandable, making it possible for children and adults alike to have an image of Hans Christian Andersen's wording...." Read more
"...I recommend it for teens and adults. Enjoy." Read more
Customers have mixed reactions to the sadness in the book, with some finding it a sad story, while one customer notes there is not much of a climax.
"...It was very beautiful and sad at the same time...." Read more
"...The story was really sad -- I never expected the ending to be so different from the movie...." Read more
"i really loved it. it is such a sad story. dont read it if you're looking for a happy ending." Read more
"...The story itself is unnecessarily wordy and boring. The illustrations, while lovely, are boring, too. That's the short and sweet of it...." Read more
Customers find the book extremely short.
"In all it is a good story but impresively it is shorter than i antisipated it to be...." Read more
"This was a pretty good book. It was kinda short, but definitely a classic. I think you should read it if you like that sort of thing.." Read more
"This was good, but not my favorite. It is short and not much happens. It is nothing like the Disney version!" Read more
"...Its extremely short but interesting and worth reading" Read more
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Beautiful Book for All Ages
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2025Hans Christan Andersen wrote many lovely stories. I sent this on as a gift for an Adult who fancies Mermaids. So, I did not see the quality of this particular book. However the story (from my youth) (SPOILER ALERT) as I recall had a sad ending. (unlike Disney's versions)
- Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2025Classic book. Very fast read.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2013I've seen the Little Mermaid and The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea so many times it's ridiculous.
However, this is the first time I have ever read the actual story. And I'm sad... I felt a deep sadness while reading this.
She gave up everything and lived her in pain everyday she walked on land. Yet, she never complained. She resigned herself to death and loved the prince to the very end.
And her sisters. Oh, god, her sisters! They did what they could to help her even after she practically abandoned them all.
If that isn't true love, I don't know what is.
Yes, the little mermaid loved the prince and wanted to become a human to be with him. BUT THAT WASN'T THE ONLY REASON!
She wanted to gain an immortal soul.
I can only imagine how happy she would have been if she had attained it.
I purposely bought the book published in 1993 for 2 reasons.
1) because that's the year I was born and I don't own a book published in 1993. UNTIL NOW!
and
2) because the cover is truly beautiful.
This version of the book is illustrated by a man named Charles Santore and, I must say, he is very talented.
The images on these pages are beautiful and fit perfectly with the story.
I will forever cherish this book.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2015I must have gotten my wires crossed somewhere along my childhood. I knew that the Disney movie wasn't the real story. I knew that going in. However, this story was FAR closer to the movie than I expected. For some reason, I remember a story about a mermaid that returns to the sea once a year, not of a mermaid that gains 300 years of service and then immortality from true love. Now I have to do a little digging to find the story I am thinking about, otherwise it will drive me crazy!
As for this particular story, it read fast and had a great theme, as all fairy tales should.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2009Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI really loved this version of The Little Mermaid. It was very beautiful and sad at the same time. I loved the part where it was talking about each of the mermaid's 15th Birthday that they would go up to the serface and see what it was like. The book was sad in a way. It was when the little mermaid was talking to her grandmother and found out that they don't have a soul after they die. The part about the sea witch was kind of scary... but not. Though I didn't like how she had to cut the mermaid's tounge off. The mermaid does give up everything and her life... because the one whom she loved fell in love with another girl. You have to read this book for yourself. I really loved this book! I hope you will too!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2013Mermaids have always been my passion and collection (not sure why). When I was a little girl my favorite comic book was about a mermaid called Merna the Mermaid, when ever I read this comic I use to say I wanted to grow up to be a mermaid. Well, you can imagine why that didn't happen but when the story of "The Little Mermaid" came out, it peaked my interest even more. Now I collect everything that has to do with mermaids. The story of the little mermaid is a great story and Disney made it's version even better. Although I am not so much into the cartoon version anymore I still add to my collection and I will never let go of my book "The Little Mermaid"!
- Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2007I would recommend this book for girls between the ages of 14-16, as it is gothic, dark and disturbing. I could only read a few pages at night before putting the book down. This is the original Hans Christian Anderson telling, and not some gay, twisted-up with a happy-ending Disney-version! The Little Mermaid is obsessive about those of us living up here on land... Perhaps, feeling she doesn't belong in her world in the sea. So to show her devotion to her land Prince, she allows the Sea Hag to bewitch her, that she may walk and dance on land. She is in terrible emotional and physical pain, and in the end becomes a silent martyr for love. As this is how things go when one resorts to spells and manipulation! Santore's paintings seem to carry this depth with the pages of dark blue, green and gray colors. Personally, the painting are too dark for my taste. Santore's Little Mermaid could be any little neighbor girl you know. This story comes across as a metaphor for someone who thinks like a victim, or who is self-destructive. It could be a metaphor for someone who is disabled, or wanting to turn towards a spiritual life. I feel this book would make for interesting group discussion for teen girls. Finally, this story is based on true events from Hans Christian Anderson's life as a young man. It was his first original fairy tale for which he is most well-known.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2011Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI bought this as a gift for my best friend's 21st birthday. (She loves everything Little Mermaid)
I opened the package and was pleasantly surprised with this book. It's a bit bigger than I expected, but its beautiful! The layout is like a children's story book, but even non-children can enjoy this fairly long story (long for a kids story). The book looks thin but its substantial material. The illustration paintings are just lovely. If you're considering buying a copy of the Little Mermaid, buy this one. You wont be disappointed.
Top reviews from other countries
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DimitrijReviewed in France on March 9, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastique!
Un très beau livre, illustré par l'artist que j'aime Christian Birmingham!
Je le conseille à tout ce qu'ils aime l'histoire de la petite sirène!
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CarlosReviewed in Spain on October 16, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Disney en inglés
Perfecto para que los peques se interesen por el inglés, y para que los mayores lo repasen.
- SelvanReviewed in India on April 29, 2016
3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
Good.
- Celia BReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 27, 2011
5.0 out of 5 stars True to the original tale and beautifully illustrated
Having read several adaptations of this tale and come across a few people who don't know the original ending of the story and whose views are based on the Disney adaptation I felt compelled to write my own review of this book. In my opinion, the meaning of the original tale was lost in the Disney film and the protagonist was not accurately portrayed.
Without giving too much away, the story is about a curious mermaid's quest for love. She suffers and sacrifices much to be with the one she loves, however, the course of love does not run smoothly and the ending here is a tragic one.
This is a faithful translation of the original story if you want to read it to your child and the illustrations that capture the ethereal world of the little mermaid alone is worth purchasing. You can see some of the illustrations if you google Christian Birmingham books illustrated.
In summary, if you are dithering over which version of The Little Mermaid to buy for both children and grown ups then this is the one.
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うーたんReviewed in Japan on December 23, 2008
5.0 out of 5 stars 美しい。。。
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase英語の勉強になればと思って買ったのですが正解でした!何より透明感溢れる絵がとっても美しくて、英語を勉強する気が失せている時でも、絵を見たさにページを開くからです(でもWizard of Ozに比べると少し英文が難しいです。ツヴェルガーの他の本は今のところ読んでいないのでわからないのですが)。全部の見開きページに大きい絵があるわけではないので、最初は少しもの足りない気もしましたが、大きな絵のないページにも魚や貝などの小さいモチーフが描かれていて海の気分を味わえます。人魚姫は哀しいお話ですが、絵が爽やかなのでそれほど悲痛な感じがせず、読後も悲しみをつきぬけたほのかな希望を感じることができました。海という舞台も、ツヴェルガーの画風にぴったりです。