The Little Match Girl

Product Description Hans Christian Andersen's poignant story of a poor child trying to survive on the city streets is among the world's best-loved tales. Andersen, who grew up in the slums of Odense, Denmark, had first-hand knowledge of poverty and neglect. Drawing on his childhood experiences, he created a tale that has touched the hearts of generations. Christine San José captures the heart and lyricism of Andersen's classic in a tale "told with originality and grace," according to School Library Journal. First published in 1995, this retelling features beautiful new illustrations by Kestutis Kasparavicius. From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 3-A faithful retelling of the tale in which a poor child, unsuccessful in selling her matches on New Year's Eve and afraid to return home with no money, freezes to death on the streets. The reteller's dedication urges readers to remember "the boys and girls of the world who need us." The pretty illustrations, however, set the tale firmly in the Scandinavian world of the 19th century. Jerry Pinkney's adaptation of this story (Penguin Putnam, 1999) is more successful at creating a historical context in which contemporary children can imagine and empathize with the unfortunate young protagonist.-V. W. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Booklist PreS-Gr. 3. The little match girl, surely the most pathetic figure in children's literature, walks barefoot through the snowy streets on New Year's Eve. Unable to sell her matches and afraid to return home, she sinks to the ground and, to keep away the cold, lights one match after another. The matches she lights bring not only warmth and light but also comfort and, finally, a vision of her beloved grandmother. Begging her grandmother not to leave her alone, she lights all her remaining matches and is taken up to heaven. Passers-by find her body the next morning. San Jose provides a simplified but dignified retelling. A young child can understand the text, but few parents of preschoolers will want to present them with stories in which a child dies. Kasparavicius' softly colored ink-and-watercolor illustrations create lovely if sometimes static effects. A respectful rendering of the classic tale. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved About the Author Christine San José is an editor, educator, and storyteller. Her books include Cinderella, The Emperor's New Clothes, and Sleeping Beauty. She lives in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.Kestutis Kasparavicius has illustrated many books for children, including The Last Chimney of Christmas Eve by Linda Oatman High, and The Pied Piper of Peru by Ann Tompert. He lives in Vilnius, Lithuania.