Published in 1835 in his fairy tale collection “Fairy Tales, Told for Children,” Hans Christian Andersen’s “Little Ida’s Flowers“ shows the beauty of a healthy imagination, especially one inspired by nature. Such an imagination reinforces a child’s sense of wonder and love of nature.
Wilted Flowers
One day, little Ida approaches her friend, a young student, to tell him her woes. Her beautiful bouquet of flowers, which were healthy and vibrant just the night before, are now wilted.She presents the flowers to him, sadly asking: “Why do the flowers look so wretched to-day?” The young student quickly explains that the flowers wilted because they attended a wonderful ball the night before.
