Pretty cute, definitely classic Northern European fairy tale styling

3.5 - A nice moral fairytale. This was published in 1851, and it is written in the style of the period, that may not suit children or young adults of this generation, but adults may well warm to this lighthearted, morality tale

Trying out the Serial app. This was an interesting fairy tale.

Year of New Authors

I read this book for Uni, its very quick and easy to read (I finished it in one sitting).

Its a classic victorian children's fairy tale, and although enjoyable was very predictable to me. I think I would have enjoyed it more if i'd read this book at a younger age. I liked the teachings and morals that were clearly interwoven throughout the tale.

I wanted to like this a whole lot more than I did. Perhaps if I had read a version with illustrations, rather than the free ebook version? As an adult, I read children's books firstly to know ahead of time what I'm offering (or not offering) my kids. But it is sometimes enjoyable because of the occasionally magical and charming and funny stories. This was none of the three to any notable degree, with one exception: the chapter titles were entertaining. If I were reading for myself alone, I should have stopped after the table of contents. Since I was reading for my kids, I'm glad I didn't because as wholesome as the intent might be, there were a handful of elements that I'm not so sure I'm comfortable with.

There were nice descriptions of scenery.

Written in 1841 seemingly as part of the author's efforts of grooming an underage girl (!!) whom the author was to marry once she came of age.

This little tale is often mentioned as an early fantasy precursor. I found this to be solidly planted in the religious parable/fairy tale world and it's hard to see how this can have helped sparked another genre and not just more parables.

One of my favorite childhood stories

Read for the first time when I was in school (3rd grade, I think). Still love the story as an adult. Love the simple moral and the simple foundation of the tale. An absolute masterpiece by an amazing writer