Maguire dives into what is probably Hans Christian Anderson's darkest tales was he has modernized "the Little Match Girl."

Frederik and his mother live a modest, poverty-filled life. They both work hard for everything, but they get by all the same. For a hobby, Frederik has been building a small model town in their attic.

While walking in town one evening, he comes across a lost slipper. Inside the slipper is a key and an address. He and his mother go to the address and meet the family of a young girl who used to sell matches on the streets in town.

While this story is a dark one, it is also one filled with hope. It is also really touching. I can't really say much more without giving away major plot points and spoiling the story.

Maguire's version of the tale was originally produced for an NPR program a few years back. He tied it in a little more closely with the Christmas holiday to meet the network's request for a Christmas tale. It was read aloud over the airwaves at that time.

Maguire has recorded the story on paper with this volume, and the words accompany beautiful illustrations. The work is brief and the layout seems to result in a picture book for adults that is really special. In fact, the book could easily be read in about 20 minutes if the reader is not too caught up in the illustrations. Maguire has also presented a happier ending than can be found in Anderson's original, which is due to the wants of today's American reading audiences.