Thumbelina

by Hans Christian Andersen

Published 1 January 1900
A tiny girl no bigger than a thumb is stolen by a great ugly toad and subsequently has many adventures and makes many animal friends, before finding the perfect mate in a warm and beautiful southern land.

The Nightingale

by Hans Christian Andersen

Published 1 January 1965
Though the emperor banishes the nightingale in preference for a jeweled mechanical imitation, the little bird remains faithful and returns years later when the emperor is near death and no one else can help him.