Author(s): Hans Christian Andersen (translated by Anthea Bell)

Children

Hans Christian Andersen’s moving tale of a poor little girl at Christmas time has touched generations of readers. Now internationally renowned illustrator Květa Pacovská brings a fresh, modern approach to this story, one unlike any version yet published.

This is the tale of a little girl who wanders the streets, freezing and homeless. As she huddles in a corner between two buildings, all she has to keep herself warm are some matches. Amazingly, each match sparks brilliant visions of a better life — warm food, glittering Christmas trees, and a loving family. The little girl cannot resist lighting one after another to keep the images coming, until at last she glimpses a bright place free from fear and hunger. Illustrated with extraordinary originality, each page springs to life with imagination. With an eye for bold colors and wittily avant-garde compositions, Ms. Pacovská has created a truly novel vision for this poignant tale.