Hans Christian Andersen

Worksheet Description

This worksheet provides an informative and engaging learning activity centered around Hans Christian Andersen and International Children’s Book Day. The sheet begins with a section for the student to enter their name, situating them as the active researcher. It introduces Hans Christian Andersen as a prolific Danish author from the 19th century, famous for his fairy tales, and prompts students to conduct brief research on him. Following this, the worksheet asks students to list the well-known stories he wrote, such as “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Little Mermaid,” and to reflect on which of these stories they prefer and why, encouraging personal engagement with the material.

The latter part of the worksheet ties Andersen’s legacy to the broader celebration of International Children’s Book Day, which is held on April 2nd, Andersen’s birthday. Students are invited to contemplate why the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) honors Andersen on this day, stimulating critical thinking about the impact of Andersen’s work on children’s literature globally. This exercise not only deepens the student’s knowledge and appreciation of a key literary figure but also connects the historical significance to the present-day celebration of children’s books and reading.