"Through an enchanting conversation with a young girl in a horse-drawn coach, Hans Christian Andersen shares his life's struggles, dreams, and triumphs--whose threads can be found woven into his greatest stories."--

Ariel is a fun-loving and mischievous mermaid who is enchanted with all things human. Disregarding her father's order to stay away from the world above the sea, she swims to the surface and, in a raging storm, rescues Prince Eric, the man of her dreams. Determined to be human, she strikes a bargain with the devious sea witch, Ursula, and trades her fins and beautiful voice for legs. With her best friend Flounder, and her reluctant chaperon Sebastian...

Hans Christian Andersen's classic tales of foolish emperors, lonely mermaids, icy queens and clever princesses have delighted children and adults alike for nearly two centuries. The stories' unique magic and wonder make them essential reading for any childhood. This beautifully illustrated collection of Andersen's best-loved fairy tales includes The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen, Thumbelina, The Princess and the Pea and The Emperor's New Clothes....