Rachel Louise Lawrence

Hans Christen Andersen

“More and more, she came to love humans; more and more, she wished she could rise up among them.” The youngest daughter of the Sea King cannot wait to be old enough to go to the surface and see the world of humans. Her first visit there changes her life forever when she saves a prince from drowning, and comes to love him above all others. For the chance to win his love and gain an immortal soul, the little sea princess is willing to risk everything… First published in 1837, Hans Christian Andersen’s haunting tale of love is brought to an English readership in this illustrated and unabridged edition, which has been translated directly from the original Danish into English and includes illustrations by Ivan Bilibin.

The Classic Danish Fairytale (Illustrated)

The Little Mermaid

Hans Christian Andersen

My Coloring Book

kids, never sacrifice anything for a man — it WILL kill you one way or another

Briar's Reviews

The illustrated The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson and Bernadette is a marvellous little tale that recounts the exact story of The Little Mermaid. 

The illustrations are very soft and subtle, making this story feel more whimsical than how dark it actually is. I did enjoy re-reading this fairy tale and taking a trip down memory lane, with the help of some pictures this time around! I appreciate new versions of these stories coming out with new pictures to help bring the classics back to life.

My only complaint is that this version it felt like it didn't bring anything new to the story. It was just new pictures. I understand it's an exact replica with new pictures, but I wanted a little more? Maybe more exciting pictures with brighter (or even darker) colours? This soft palette just didn't feel like it matched much. It felt more Disney than Hans Christian Andersen. 

Three out of five stars.

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

A little sea princess, longing to be human, trades her mermaid's tail for legs, hoping to win the love of a prince and earn an immortal soul for herself.

the original story

The little mermaid

3 ½ stars
i knew the original version was sad but holy shit

Jackie Gregory 

The traditional telling of the dark classic where the youngest daughter of the sea king wishes only to go above the waves, to the land of men. She is told that when she reaches the age of 15 she may visit above the waves, but must not be seen. She goes on her birthday and ends up saving the prince from drowning, and of course she falls in love. She exchanges her fins for legs to be with the prince however it causes her nothing but pain, when she dances it is as if knives are stabbing into her soft feet. She ends up flinging herself back into the see.. love lost and desperate. 
I have always enjoyed the classic dark tales of the original adaptations by Hans Christian Anderson. Though so much darker than the more popular Disney versions, these ones are not intended for young children. With morals and guidance more for an older audience. I enjoy the more blunt emotions in these versions.

Diana

This is one of my favorite classic fairytales of all time. I read it for the first time a couple of years ago and even though it is short, it packs an emotional punch that stays with me long after. While the Disney version is fun, I highly encourage everyone to read this original because it is so different. It is heartbreaking and beautifully written. I also highly recommend reading this original version, since some of the retellings that are being written are based off of this and not the Disney version. I think that since the two are different, it is throwing off some people's expectations of those books.

Abby Hoggatt

Ilse

I loved the Disney-version and knew the original was very different, but never had the chance to actually sit down and read it. I am really glad I finally could! Anderson’s descriptions are beautiful and the plot heartbreaking. All in all well deserving of these four stars!

Kimi 

ghost girl in satin

Sarah Sammis

Ibragimova Renata

Izzy Huddleston

Natalie 

Cat Josephson

Susan 

Jordan Peet

The Little Mermaid is one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved fairytales. This new edition lets the reader delight in Peter Madsen's fabulous illustrations, which compliment the beautiful tale of the mermaid and her unrequited love.

Kirsty

Cata A.

Marloes

Stephanie Honour

Juliana M

This magical story tells of a mermaid's thwarted love for a land-born prince, and her quest for an immortal soul that brings her face to face with an evil seawitch. Full of love, sacrifice and magic, 'The Little Mermaid' is a charming classic.

The Little Mermaid The Classic Danish Fairytale (Illustrated)