Who wrote the children's story "The Little Match Girl"?

The story behind the answer

Hans Christian Andersen wrote “The Little Match Girl” (1845), a poignant fairy tale about a poor girl on New Year’s Eve whose striking matches reveal comforting visions before her death. Andersen, the Danish master of literary fairy tales, is also known for “The Little Mermaid,” “The Snow Queen,” and “Thumbelina.” His stories blend simple narratives with deep social and moral themes.

To remember this, link “match” with “mermaid”—both are Andersen’s. Don’t confuse it with Charles Dickens, who wrote another winter social critique, “A Christmas Carol.” Lewis Carroll is “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” and Oscar Wilde wrote fairy tales like “The Happy Prince.” “The Little Match Girl” stands out for its stark compassion and critique of poverty, hallmarks of Andersen’s style.