Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was born in Odense, Denmark. The author is considered the father of the modern fairy tales. To honor his memory the International Children's Book Day is celebrated on April 2, the birthday of Hans Andersen. International Day. After him is also named the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the most relevant award of children's literature, also known as the Nobel Prize for children's literature "The Little Mermaid", which was originally named "Den lille Havfrue", was published in 1837. The story shows a young mermaid in the search for the real love, aiming to conquest a prince that lives in the surface. Succeeding to her plan, her soul would become immortal.