The Little Mermaid

A beloved Hans Christian Andersen tale, illustrated by one of the greatest children’s illustrators of our time


The story of the little mermaid who fell in love with a human boy is well-known and loved by millions—but in the hands of internationally acclaimed illustrator Lisbeth Zwerger, it feels brand new. This poignant tale of unrequited love and self-sacrifice helped establish Andersen as one of the foremost writers of fairy tales in the world. Zwerger’s signature illustrations add fresh whimsy and charm to Andersen’s creation, and her art harmonizes perfectly with the carefully edited translation.

Hans Christian Andersen is revered worldwide for his more than 160 fairy tales, including many cherished favorites such as The Princess and the Pea and The Ugly Ducking. Lisbeth Zwerger is one of the most highly regarded illustrators of children’s books and was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal in 1990 to recognize her lifetime contribution to children’s literature. She is the author and illustrator of numerous books, including The Little Mermaid and Tales from the Brothers Grimm. Anthea Bell is an award-winning translator who has translated numerous Cornelia Funke novels and many Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen stories, including The Pied Piper of Hamelin and The Snow Queen.