If your kid thinks the Little Mermaid is all about red hair and singing 'Under the Sea,' this book is going to be a massive vibe check. It’s the original Hans Christian Andersen text, and it’s bleak. We’re talking 'walking on knives' and 'having your tongue cut out' bleak.
That said, it’s a stunning piece of art. This 2023 edition pairs the raw, 19th-century translation with vintage illustrations that are just gorgeous. It’s a great pick for a kid who’s a bit of a 'dark academic' or a teen who wants to see the 'real' version of a story they grew up with. Just don't hand it to a six-year-old unless you're prepared for some very difficult bedtime questions.






