He was the son of a cobbler–awkward, funny-looking, and perhaps a bit crazy. But Hans Christian Andersen went on to become the most beloved children's writer of all time. Here, in rich detail that includes quotes from Andersen's own stories Jane Yolen explores the youth of the man who created such immortal stories as "The Little Mermaid," "Thumbelina," and "The Emperor's New Clothes." His words were inspired by life experiences–a childhood that saw hardship, an early love for the theater, and the burning passion to become a writer against all odds.
