Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish fairy tale writer and poet who is most noted for his Fairy Tales, including the enduring children s stories The Snow Queen, The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, and The Ugy Duckling. Through his youth Andersen worked as a weaver s apprentice and actor before turning to writing. Andersen s works have been translated into more than 150 languages and have inspired countless films, plays, and ballets. Although Andersen died in 1875, the anniversary of his birthday (June 2) continues to celebrated each year as International Children s Book Day.