European Childrens Classics

Thumbelina is a classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale about a tiny girl no bigger than a thumb snatched from her family by an ugly toad who wants to marry her. Thumbelina escapes, befriending various creatures of the forest, until one day, she meets the king of the flower angels, with whom she finds happiness forever.

Oscar Wilde told and retold his fairy tales to friends in private readings, refining them further each time before finally publishing them in two collections between 1888 and 1891 to great acclaim and lasting popularity ever since. Much of their charm is due to Wilde's intention that the stories be "studies in prose... meant partly for children, and partly for those who have kept the childlike faculties of wonder and joy, and who find in simplicity a subtle strangeness."

A vain emperor who loves new clothes wears a royal robe created especially for him by two swindlers.

Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom lived a King with eleven sons and a beautiful daughter named Eliza. All was peaceful until the widowed King decided to remarry a wicked Queen with dark magical powers. Out of spite, the stepmother turns her eleven stepsons into swans and banishes Eliza from the castle into the countryside. Despite the overwhelming odds, Eliza is determined to rescue her brothers, overcome the evil Queen’s spell, and reunite her family.

This is a story from the Grimm's Fairy Tales collection.

This is a story from the Thumbelina and Other Fairy Tales collection.

"The Snow Queen" is one of Hans Christian Andersen’s longest and most popular tales. It’s about Gerda and her friend Kai growing up through many adventures. Exploring the struggle between good and evil, it’s a story of a magic mirror, trolls, sorceresses, and power.

Delve into the enchanting world of "Tom Thumb," a timeless fairy tale by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm. This classic story tells the adventures of Tom Thumb, a tiny boy no larger than his father's thumb, who embarks on incredible journeys despite his small size. Tom Thumb's cleverness and bravery lead him through a series of extraordinary escapades, from being swallowed by a cow to outsmarting thieves. Each adventure showcases his resourcefulness and determination, making him a beloved character in the world of fairy tales.

This Irish version of the Cinderella story is a classic fairy tale as you have never heard it before. Master storyteller and folklorist Padraic Colum creates a completely unique world of enchanted woods, marauding giants, gossiping geese, and a supernatural cloak made of crow feathers. Through her many adventures, Maid-Alone, Colum's heroine, remains steadfast in her quiet strength and wisdom. Listeners of all ages will enjoy this magical retelling of a familiar legend.

Leo Tolstoy (1828 - 1910) was a Russian writer who is regarded as among the greatest authors of all time. Translated by R S Townsend and published in 1916, the seven stories in Tolstoy for the Young have been adapted for children, to serve as the perfect introduction to the great writer for young listeners.

One of the most famous fairy tales of all time, The Little Mermaid was written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen and published in 1837. The littlest mermaid of the Sea King ventures to the surface of the ocean on her 15th birthday and falls in love with a handsome human prince whom she sees sailing on his vast ship. As her heart has been captured by this young royal, she endures great sacrifice and pain in order to be with the man she loves.

The Little Mermaid is a very well-known fairy tale by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen about a young mermaid willing to give up her life in the sea and her identity as a mermaid to gain a human soul and the love of a human prince. The tale was first published in 1837 and has been adapted to various media, including musical theatre and animated film. But this tale is not the Disney version, all cleaned up and made pretty. This is the way Andersen wrote it.

The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen, narrated by Lauren Maza, is a timeless fairy tale of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams. This enchanting story follows the journey of a young mermaid who longs to leave her underwater kingdom and live in the world above, driven by her love for a human prince and her desire for an immortal soul. As she navigates the challenges of her transformation, she faces difficult choices and learns the true meaning of selflessness and longing.

Cherished by generations as a Christmas classic ever since it was first recorded and published, A Child's Christmas in Wales is Thomas's waxing, lyrical retelling of Christmas Day in a small Welsh town. Originally recorded by Thomas in 1952, this new recording is brought to life by renowned Welsh actor, Iwan Rheon.

The Snow Queen is one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved fairy tales. When young Kay is stolen away and cursed with a frozen heart, his closest friend Gerda must make her way across the daunting landscape (with the help of a strange assortment of people and animals) to free him from the palace of the Snow Queen.

This is a story from the Andersen's Fairy Tales collection.

A billingual version of the classic fairy tale read first in its original English version and then in its French version. A real treat for language learners.

A golden statue comes to life and, with the help of a reluctant swallow, gives away everything he has. A fierce giant forbids children to play in his garden -- then realizes that only through sharing will spring ever come again. In these rich fables by Oscar Wilde, author of The Importance of Being Earnest, characters learn that kindness and giving are the greatest powers of all.

This collection of seven popular Hans Christian Andersen stories includes The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Princess and the Pea, Thumbelina, The Wild Swans, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Match Girl, and The Little Mermaid. Fairytales for the whole family to enjoy!

This beautiful collection contains five fairy tales by the celebrated British writer Oscar Wilde: "The Happy Prince", "The Nightingale and the Rose", "The Selfish Giant", "The Devoted Friend", and "The Remarkable Rocket." These timeless tales are performed by a full cast, and will delight listeners of all ages with their whimsical characters, moving situations, and touches of ironic humor. Presented by The Online Stage.