Andersen's life was a bit of a fairy tale in its own right. Born into stark poverty to a cobbler (shoemaker) and a washerwoman, Andersen's family did not having enough money to send him to grammar school. However, in his autobiography The Fairy Tale of My Life, he recounts that despite the lack of money, his parents still cultivated his imagination with stories from One Thousand and One Nights and other books found on a crowded bookshelf in their single-room home. 

One of Hans Christian Andersen’s first fairy tales is the charming and whimsical story called "The Princess and the Pea." The beloved story features a determined prince searching to marry a princess of true royal birth and a sensitive “princess” who seeks shelter at the castle one stormy night.

Hilarity ensues as she “proves” she is a real princess when she says that she felt the pea while on top of the mattresses. Andersen leaves the story open-ended to allow readers to decide if the princess is really who she says she is.

In "The Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Christian Andersen, an emperor is so obsessed with his appearance that he falls for the ultimate fashion scam: non-existent clothes woven with lavish compliments by the “dressmakers.” It takes a brave child to point out the obvious truth, revealing that sometimes, even the most powerful people can be blinded by their own vanity.

"The Emperor's New Clothes" reminds us that true confidence comes from within, and that honesty is always the best policy. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of valuing appearances over substance.

Given that Disney’s live-action Little Mermaid is set to release in a few short months, it is safe to say that Andersen’s "The Little Mermaid" is a timeless classic. Of course, in the original version, the mermaid doesn't end up with the prince and dies of a broken heart.

Despite its tragic ending, readers love Andersen’s vivid and imaginative storytelling that explores complex emotions and relationships. "The Little Mermaid's" powerful message about the nature of true love, self-sacrifice, and the consequences of one's actions has inspired many adaptations.

Andersen’s "The Ugly Duckling" tells the story of a "duckling" shunned by others because of its perceived ugliness. The "duckling" eventually transforms into a beautiful swan discovering its true identity and self-worth in the process.

This message of embracing one's individuality and finding inner beauty resonates with readers of all ages. Because of its powerful message of self-acceptance and the transformative power of love, "The Ugly Duckling" remains a cherished story today.

"The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen tells a chilling tale of two friends, Gerda and Kai. Gerda sets out to rescue Kai from the clutches of the Snow Queen, an icy and malevolent figure. Along the way, Gerda faces a series of obstacles that test her courage, loyalty, and purity of heart, while Kai becomes increasingly cold and distant under the spell of the Snow Queen's enchantment.

The Snow Queen represents the forces of darkness and temptation, luring Kai away from his innocence and corrupting him with her icy magic. Her appearance is cold and otherworldly, and her presence casts a cold and foreboding atmosphere over the story.