Bridie knows the story called The Little Match Girl, and doesn’t think much of it. She’d rather have a chance at a better life, than people feeling sorry for her because of a story they read. But she has to admit that the tough conditions in the book of bitter cold, hunger and long hours spent in the snow are real. They are all things she knows well. But still, she wants to tell you her story.

It is similar to the famous story but she is much braver than the little girl in the book. She has her Irish grandmother’s name and her courage too, calling out for hours on end to customers, promising them magical things with each strike of one of her matches.

She must face competition on the streets, strive to keep a promise to her little brother of a cooked goose for dinner and finally face the possible loss of not only her way to survive but their food and shelter too.

Not likely, thinks Bridie and unlike the quiet story Match Girl, Bridie uses her wishes on real things, determined to improve her life and the life of her family – and eventually thousands of others.

The original story by Hans Christian Andersen in December 1845 was a huge hit despite it being incredibly sad. Andersen wrote it in defense of the thousands of children in London who stood selling items on the streets in the sleet and snow, just to survive.

Emma Carroll has rewritten this Christmas Classic with a deeper look into the realities of the time. Set in 1887, it delves into historical fact including a real match factory and a worker’s strike due to terrible conditions.

Told in first person in Bridie’s voice, this retelling empowers the women and children into striving for better. Even if it’s just the basics of safer work conditions which then provide food and shelter. Carroll gives the little match girl,

“…the ending all match girls deserve.”

 

Lauren Child’s striking illustrations are spread throughout the story along with the dancing text we all know and love in her books Clarice Bean and Charlie & Lola.

Learning about life for many in 19th Century London, along with a determined, brave heroine makes this a story for all-year-round, not just Christmas.

Author – Emma Carroll

Illustrator – Lauren Child

Age – 7+

Learn more about the real Match Girl’s Strike here

(2022, Simon & Schuster, Harper Collins, Classic, Retelling, Historical, First Person, 19th Century, London, Victorian, 1800’s, Poverty, Courage, Based on fact, Family, Hunger, Factory workers, Match factory, Phosphorus, Annie Besant, Political Activist, Strike, Phossy Jaw, Bryant & May Match Factory)