安徒生童話在鞭撻丑惡、歌頌善良中，表現了對美好生活的執著追求，也是吸引讀者的原因之一。

　　安徒生童話英文版篇一

　　LITTLE IDA'S FLOWERS

　　“MY poor flowers are quite dead ! ” said little Ida. “They were so pretty yesterday evening, and now all the leaves hang withered . Why do they do that?” she asked the student, who sat on the sofa; for she liked him very much. He knew the prettiest stories, and could cut out the most amusing pictures ---- hearts, with little ladies in them who danced , flowers , and great castles in which one could open the doors : he was a merry student . “Why do the flowers look so faded today?” she asked again, and showed him a whole bouquet , which was quite withered .

　　“Do you know what's the matter with them?” said the student . “The flowers have been at a ball last night , and that' s why they hang their heads . ”

　　“But flowers cannot dance ! ” cried little Ida.

　　“Oh, yes,” said the student, “when it grows dark, and we are asleep, they jump about merrily. Almost every night they have a ball .”

　　“Can no children go to this ball?”

　　“Yes,” said the student, “quite little daisies, and lilies of the valley . ”

　　“Where do the most beautiful flowers dance?” asked little Ida.

　　“Have you not often been outside the town-gate, by the great castle, where the king lives in summer, and where the beautiful garden is, with all the flowers? You have seen the swans, which swim up to you when you want to give them bread crumbs? There are capital balls there, believe me.”