The Little Match Girl

The Little Match Girl, illustrated by Rachel Isadora.

Den Lille Pige med Svovlstikkerne, literally "The Little Girl with Sulfur Sticks," is one of Andersen's original tales, and follows the heartbreaking story of a poor young match-seller who freezes to death on New Year's Eve. Unable to return home until she has sold her wares, the girl huddles in the shadows of a building, trying to keep warm. Gradually, one by one, she lights her matches, seeing visions of all the delights denied her...

Like The Fir Tree, The Little Match Girl is one of Andersen's melancholy holiday stories, more focused on the tragedy of existence - be it arboreal or human - than on seasonal celebration. I have always found it one of Andersen's most affecting tales, show more and cannot read the the scene in which the poor young girl sees a shooting star, and thinks "someone is dying," without feeling a shiver of grief.

This edition of the tale, one of three that I have particularly enjoyed, is illustrated by Rachel Isadora, whose illustrations - even in scenes in which golden light is spilling out of windows - all have a blue undertone. Her art captures the chilly gloom of a wintry night, and the wonder of the little match girl's visions. The scene in which she sits under the imaginary Christmas tree, and in which she is held in her grandmother's arms, are particularly well done. show less

Beautifully illustrated, this book tells the story of an abused and impoverished young girl. She was supposed to sell matches and knew if she returned home, she would be beaten for failing to sell any that day. She chose to stay on the streets that night. She saw visions as she tried to light matches to keep her warm. The book holds a sad ending. The story may not be for everyone, but there are lessons about death which can be taught.

This may seem like an especially dark tale nowadays in 2021, but unfortunately the story of the Little Match Girl was reality for countless children through the ages and in different cultures, some orphaned, some sold into slavery, some trying to support their family, etc, and without labor laws and other protections, it's not too hard to imagine what could happen.

Sad thing is, even today in 2021, there are still children out there being exploited to the point of literal death, so this story is haunting and revelant even many decades after it was published.

I might be the only person on the planet who absolutely despises this book! Lol! While I understand the meaning behind the tale....I just find it unnecessarily gruesome and definitely NOT child appropriate!

After watching The Road, I was part of a discussion that asked whether The Boy was hallucinating a "savior" at the end of the story. That led to comparisons with The Little Match Girl, one of the several Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales that I never read growing up.

Since it's a short story, it's hard not to spoil the plot for the few who haven't read it. A little girl tries unsuccessfully to sell matches during a cold winter night. She has visions of beautiful scenes before she dies (hence, the potential symmetry with Cormac McCarthy's story).

I think I'm glad I hadn't encountered this before. It's fairly depressing, and I don't think my childhood self would have figured out the real message of the story ("So, we should buy things show more from barefoot street girls?" -- yes, I grew up in a very small town). The most redeeming characteristic of this version of the story, though, was the beautiful illustrations by Rachel Isadora, who was able to make bleakness fairly bright. show less

I think the central message of the story is being afraid. The little girl is afraid of getting beaten if she returns home from trying to sell matches. Therefore, she chooses to stay the night outside in the cold and snow. I really enjoyed reading this story because of its plot. The plot was simple, and easy to follow. However, it was unpredictable. For example, I did not expect the girl to be afraid of getting beaten. I also did not expect her to freeze to death. I actually thought that the people in the house would find her and keep her safe. Another reason why I enjoyed the story was because of the illustrations. They are what really add emotion to the story. For example, as the little girl sits in the corner, she imagines something show more to help keep her mind off the cold. She imagines that she is sitting under the prettiest Christmas tree, and the illustration really helps the reader imagine with the little girl. The last reason why I love this story is because of the story forces reader to think about tough issues. For example, one issue that is addressed is poverty. The little girl comes from a poor family who sells matches for a small income. Another issue that is addressed is abuse. The little girl gets abused at home. This story is very insightful, and could serve as an “eye opener” to some readers. show less