Hans Christian Andersen was born on April 2, 1805, and his early life was full of great sadness. His family was very poor. His father was a sad shoemaker. His father would read him a story every day at 2:00. His father died when he was 11 years old. When Hans Andersen was the age of 14 he ran away to Copenhagen.
Andersen was Denmark's most famous author. Andersen wrote as many as 350 stories. His books are read all over the world. Here are 5 of the many stories hewrote: The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor's New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, The Red Shoes. One of his most interesting book's is The Emperor's New Clothes It is about a king who is very vain,and two people teach him a lesson. Andersen always wanted new things, but he could not buy them. This story is a reflection of his life.
All of the stories Andersen wrote were with a great desire to make people laugh. He also wrote because he didn't want children to have a sad childhood as he did. He also wanted to fill little girls and little boys hearts full of joy and laughter. He always wrote with a sly humor. Through his writings, Andersen felt more self fulfilled.
Even after his death Hans Christian Andersen is still remembered today. Hans Andersen died on August 4, 1875. Denmark's people always celebrate his birthday with a party called "Odin Story Day". The Andersen home in Odense is now a museum, and thousand of people visit it every year. After he died people read his stories and loved them just like when he was alive.