
Age rating and parents' guide:Andersen's Fairy Tales
by Hans Christian Andersen
Ages 8–10
Andersen's Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen is best for children aged 8–10. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Some tales end sadly; a child dies in The Little Match Girl.
The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, The Emperor's New Clothes and more, from Denmark's most famous storyteller. Some are funny, some are strange, and some end sadly. Invites children to talk about the lesson in each tale and whether they agree with it.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- Mild
- Scary moments
- Mild
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Worth knowing: Some tales end sadly; a child dies in The Little Match Girl
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Novel
- Emotionally light
Reading mood
- Thoughtful
Books like Andersen's Fairy Tales
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

Ages 7–11
The Little Prince
by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
A pilot stranded in the Sahara meets a small boy who has travelled from a tiny planet with three volcanoes and one rose. As the prince tells of the strange grown-ups he met on his way, the pilot learns what matters. Invites children to talk about friendship, love and what grown-ups forget.
Ages 8–12
The Crow-Girl
by Bodil Bredsdorff
When her grandmother dies, a girl leaves the cottage at Crow Cove where she has always lived. On her journey she meets cruelty and kindness, and gathers people who become her family. Invites children to talk about home, loss and what makes a family.

Ages 10–12
The Kite Fighters
by Linda Sue Park
In 15th-century Seoul, Young-sup flies kites brilliantly while his older brother Kee-sup builds them beautifully. When the young king asks for their help, the brothers enter the New Year kite-fighting contest together. Invites children to talk about brothers and sisters and the talents we each have.

Ages 9–11
Save Me a Seat
by Sarah Weeks & Gita Varadarajan
Fifth-graders Ravi and Joe couldn't seem more different. Ravi recently moved to America from India and expects to be at the top of his class, while Joe has an auditory processing disorder and struggles to blend in. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.

Ages 9–11
All Four Stars
by Tara Dairman
Eleven-year-old Gladys Gatsby is a passionate gourmet cook, much to the dismay of her fast-food-loving parents. When an accidental kitchen fire leads to a strict cooking ban, Gladys channels her culinary talents into writing. A thoughtful invitation to celebrate identity and appreciate different experiences.

Ages 10–14
The ACB with Honora Lee
by Kate De Goldi
Every Saturday, Perry visits her grandmother Honora Lee in a rest home, where her memory is slipping away. Together with the residents they make an alphabet book, letter by surprising letter. Offers a gentle way into talking about ageing, memory and family.
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Questions parents ask
Q: What age is Andersen's Fairy Tales for?
Q: Is Andersen's Fairy Tales appropriate for a 8 year old?
Q: What should my child read after Andersen's Fairy Tales?
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