Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

A lovely book as part of the series of beautiful books on famous people. They make a great resource for the school library or classroom.

I love the 'Little People, Big Dreams' series and this is a gorgeous addition to the catalogue. Perhaps I'm biased because I love stories, but this is a magical wee book. The pictures are just lovely.

It's an ideal gift for a small child in your life. Or yourself!

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

WoW! Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara books must be one of the best little books to purchase for children, these are the best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

So, this latest book is about Hans Christian Andersen by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and is just brilliant throughout.
"When Hans Christian Andersen was a little boy, he treated storybooks as jewels to be treasured. He wanted to perform on stage, but was always cast as the troll. Luckily, through theater, he found a love for writing. He wrote about both the ordinary and fantastic, in stories like "The Ugly Duckling" and "The Little Mermaid," never talking down to children".

This enchanting book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the writer's life.

It's one book, you should definitely buy for your little readers so they can learn about this wonderful artist.

I am so glad these books are being published and I highly recommend all of these books

Many thanks to Quarto’s Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An incredible story of a man we have all heard of but I knew little about. The illustrations are beautiful. This is a great addition to the series.

Another great addition to the series! My cubs love these books and often want to learn more about the people discussed. Perfect for any child's library and for classroom use!

A gorgeously illustrated tale of someone who has brought so much joy and magic to the lives of readers young and old for many many years, It was so interesting to see the journey he took in life that shaped his writing.

5☆ A Very Informative and Special Children's Picture Book.

What a special book, highlighting Hans Christian Andersen wonderful life and how he created so much joy in his books.

I didn't know that Children's Book Day was dedicated to him celebrating his Birthday.
You truly are never too old or young to learn!

The illustrations are beautifully created. The story is engaging and gives an insight into Hans life and how he became a writer through his emotions.

As always the back of the book gives a brief time line of his life and some interesting knowledge about Hans, making for some good reference material.

Overall another delightful children's in the series, honouring the iconic Hans Christian Andersen.

Yet another incredible book in this series,

Another incredible story of a man that both me and my daughter have heard of both know very little of his journey, and it was amazing to read. I love the artwork and the length of these are just a perfect introduction to some remarkable people

My thanks to Quarto Group - Francis Lincoln Children’s Books for a temporary digital edition via NetGalley of ‘Hans Christian Anderson’, written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Maxine Lee-Mackie, in exchange for an honest review.

This little book is intended for children aged 4-7 and is part of its publishers highly acclaimed ‘Little People, BIG DREAMS’ series that introduces young readers to the lives and works of significant people including writers, artists, scientists, political figures and the like via books and educational games.

As a child I loved Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy stories though beginning this book I realised that I knew nothing about his life. As she has done time and again in this series, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara does a wonderful job in summarising her subject’s life.

Maxine Lee-Mackie uses quite a muted palette for her illustrations and this feels suitable for the life of this quiet man. At the end are some biographical details and suggestions for further reading suitable for younger readers.

This is another excellent addition to this series that I am happy to recommend to parents, educators, and librarians. I can imagine it proving a very useful introduction to stimulate discussion prior to approaching his beloved tales.

It is very fitting that one of the world’s greatest storytellers has his own story told in a book for the very children who he wrote his books for.

Born in Denmark, little Hans was not privy to luxury and every penny was carefully accounted for.
But there was one priceless thing in the family home…a book, and Hans loved it when his father would read him stories of magical objects, faraway places and flying carpets. Inspired by street performers, Hans wanted to perform on stage and help retell the stories written by others. But when that didn’t work out he wrote stories of his own. And these stories would be read by millions around the world…

The fairy tales of Hans Christen Andersen are famous around the world and this lovely biography gives children a wonderful insight into how the boy who couldn’t spell or write Danish properly grew up to write some of the most well-known and well-loved children’s fairy tales. Readers follow Hans on his journey from keen scholar to early drop-out after the passing of his father forced him to take a job as a weaver. He joins the Royal Danish Theatre before suffering another setback and was forced to revaluate where his talents lay. This led to his rise as a storyteller.

Hans’ story is one of perseverance and finding the strength and motivation to bounce back from setbacks. And it would take a broken heart for Hans to unlock his wonderful words as stories of mermaids, princesses and princes, and ducklings and swans tumbled onto the page.

Delightfully illustrated with bright and bold artwork and with a story told in short and simple sentences, this is a wonderful celebration of reading, the joy that can be found in stories and the importance of the arts. Hans’ story serves as great inspiration for children with their own dreams of writing stories to entertain the world. The most valuable message that children can learn from Hans and his story is that you are never too old to learn. There is a charming image of an adult Hans sitting on a small chair at a small desk along with his younger classmates as he took lessons to learn to write and spell. At the back of the the book there is a short overview of his life which includes key facts and dates and a historical timeline featuring photographs.

Recommended for 5+.

With thanks to Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the advanced reader copy that was received through Netgalley.

Everything I have come to expect from the Little People range. A beautifully written, succinct and digestible biography in the style of a story. Gorgeous accompanying illustrations. And very shareable.

I LOVED IT.
Not only is this a wonderful book as every by the LPBD team but I am thrilled that Andersen's story was chosen. Now I can share with children the power of storytelling and how it can be a future job and how you can turn heartache into something beautiful.

The Little People Big Dreams series, created by author Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, are aimed at young children and tell the stories of influential people from all walks of life. Each book provides an age-appropriate overview of the lives of pioneering figures, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. Each of them achieved incredible things, yet began life as a child with a dream. This makes the series ideal for inspiring the next generation of people who will change the world. 

H.C. Andersen's story teaches children so many important lessons. It encourages us to realise that dreams can come true despite humble beginnings and how it's possible to succeed despite adversity. It also shows how it's never too late to learn. H.C. Andersen was much older than his fellow classmates when he returned to school but he appreciated receiving this second chance at education. He was a man who never gave up, despite often feeling like an ugly duckling and facing rejection both from women and in his profession. He went on to be one of the best children's authors of all time, which shows children there's a swan inside of us all. 

You can find my full review at https://mmbbookblog.com/little-people-big-dreams-hans-christian-andersen/

Another fantastic edition to the series.
I love how colourful these books are. They are a great way to get children to learn about inspirational people.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

As always, a really lovely addition to this series!

I loved the illustrations and I found the text really informative.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

A really colourful and beautifully illustrated story which makes a great addition to the Little People, Big Dreams collection.

Hans Christian Andersen grew up in a poor family but his childhood was rich with imagination and a father who loved reading and sharing stories with his son. This love of books led to Hans heading to Copenhagen and joining the Royal Danish Theatre and during this time continuing to write stories and fairy tales now loved by children all over the world.

The life of Hans wasn't one I was previously aware of and the bright and colourful drawings drew my 7 year old into the story of his life. I would have loved to have seen more reference to fairy tales he is famous for within the main story. Otherwise a lovely, fun and colourful book.

I always love reading the Little People, Big Dreams books and this one didn't disappoint. I read this book with my daughter and we enjoyed the story of Hans and how he grew up in Denmark, enjoyed reading his book every night with his Dad and how he went on to become a theatre artist and finally a writer who wrote wonderful fairytales. The illustrations of the book are beautiful. This is a great educational book for children and adults.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love the books in this series and always find something new in them.

This was a book that focused on a well known children's author who wrote some of the most well known books there are.

I knew about his books, but nothing really about the man himself so this was a great one for me

Lovely images and another great addition to the series - 5 stars from me for this one

I absolutely adore the Little People, Big Dreams series and this book, focusing on Hans Christian Andersen did not disappoint. Filled with glorious illustrations, these texts are a fabulous springboard for classroom discussion. I love how they cover such a broad range of famous faces, from scientists to musicians.

The story of the beloved writer, Hans Christian Andersen, begins by outlining his humble beginnings, being born into a poor family in Denmark. It describes the value his family placed on reading and sharing stories and his determination to succeed as an author. The illustrations by Maxine Lee-Mackie are simply sublime - my favourite yet in this series. The dreamscape and fairytale pictures are breathtaking and I particularly love the scattering of pages across Denmark to show how his stories spread. This book is a real celebration of reading and outlines the origins of so many stories our children will be familiar with.

I will be using this book as part of my Person of the Week work in a Year 5 classroom and think it would be a welcome addition to any school bookshelf. I would also recommend it is used when promoting reading - it would be a wonderful World Book Day text, or it could be shared as part of any work on fairytales. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.