It’s likely that many people have read Hans Christian Andersen’s works without realising it - just think of childhood classics like The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and The Emperor’s New Clothes. But Andersen’s tales, while meant for children, often feature themes of struggle, sadness, and life’s inequalities - a reflection perhaps of his own tumultuous personal life and career. With April 2 being Andersen’s birthday, we dedicate this month’s Bibliography episode to his life, his works, and his amazing legacy as a writer of stories for children.

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