On this day in 1805, Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish author and illustrator of children’s books, was born in Odense, Denmark. Andersen’s stories, such as “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” have become classics of children’s literature and are beloved by generations of readers around the world.
Andersen’s own life was not without struggles, however. He was born into poverty and faced many obstacles on his path to becoming a successful author. Despite this, he persevered and went on to publish dozens of books, becoming one of the most celebrated writers of his time.
Today, people all over the world continue to enjoy Andersen’s stories and celebrate his legacy on his birthday. Happy birthday, Hans Christian Andersen!
