Hans Andersens evocative stories blend wit and pathos, his light but shrewd touch revealing the selfishness and stupidity of man. In "The Emperors New Clothes" it takes a child to point out the Emperors foolishness and his excess of pride eventually makes him a laughing stock. His stupidity is therefore punished, just as the modesty and good nature of "The Ugly Duckling" is justly rewarded in the end. Andersens fresh and vivacious tone illuminates all of the old favourites in this selection - which include "The Little Mermaid", "The Princess on the Pea", "The Tinderbox" and "The Snow Queen".