I created this page for “Tell a Fairy Tale Day” in 2024 (February 26, 2024, to be exact). In 2022, I did something similar for Snow White, see The Snow White Read-Off. This page will be a little different in that it will be a collection of all things “The Little Match Girl.” From reviews, to reflections, to promoting my own version, all “Little Match Girl” fans should find something here worthy to peruse.

The Basics. Let’s start with the basics. “The Little Match Girl” is a fairy tale written by Hans Christen Andersen in 1845. Read The Little Match Girl because it’s in the public domain (if the link doesn’t work, just search it). This is one of my favorite tale by Andersen. Poignant, terse, offbeat for a fairy tale, and deeply moving, this should be required reading in all schools.

My Adaption. I’ve included my version of The Little Match Girl in my novels and short stories of a fairytale mashup world of Kingdom. My version, named Valencia, is rescued before she dies and becomes a queen. But she never forgets her roots, and has a fondness for the poor, championing them at every turn. She’s a large part of every novel, but comes front and center in Deliver Us & Will Be Done. See Queen Little Match Girl for the reasons why The Little Match Girl makes an excellent queen.

Review #1. Sweet Remembrance by Emily Ann Putzke. This is just a spot-on retelling and one I think Andersen would’ve approved of. Here’s the review. I recommend this to everyone 5+ stars.

Review #2. The Little Match Girl (A Steampunk Graphic Novel) by Rod Espinosa is set in a steampunk world is a delight and a joy. Full of color, it imagines a sweeter, more upbeat, ending than Andersen’s. The expression on the Little Match Girl’s face near the end is precious. And not a word of dialog until the end—extremely difficult unless the art is masterful. If you just can’t stomach the original, this one is the one for you.

(Not) Free Short Story. On February 26, 2024 only, I posted a story about Valencia, The Little Match Girl, in her later years. This story is published in my novel, Kingdom Ascension . The story appeared on this page Ticklish, but I have removed it. For now, enjoy the beautiful illustration above by Daniel Johnson.

Review #3. Matchless (The Little Match Girl Retelling) by Gregory Maguire. Matchless by Gregory Maguire is a retelling of the Little Match Girl worthy of the original. The author of “Wicked” wrote this after being asked to tell a Christmas tale on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” So please note, it’s very, very short. Nonetheless, Maguire has taken a refreshingly original approach than most retellings. He has written an new story and enfolded it around the Little Match Girl story. Yes, the woeful tale of the Little Match Girl is still here, but Maguire offers new insight into what happens before and after the events of Andersen’s story. It comes together beautifully, and really highlights the theme and mood of the original. I’m not a Maguire fan, but I did love this retelling.