"Thumbelina" (Danish: "Tommelise") is a literary fairy tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It was first published by C. A. Reitzel on 16 December 1835 in Copenhagen, Denmark, with "The Naughty Boy" and "The Travelling Companion" in the second instalment of "Fairy Tales Told for Children". "Thumbelina" tells the story of a tiny girl and her adventures with marriage-minded toads, moles, and cockchafers. She successfully avoids their intentions before falling in love with a flower-fairy prince just her size.

"Thumbelina" is chiefly Andersen's invention, though he did take inspiration from tales of miniature people such as "Tom Thumb". Thumbelina was published as one of a series of seven fairy tales in 1835 which were not well received by the Danish critics who disliked their informal style and their lack of morals. One critic, however, applauded Thumbelina. The earliest English translation of "Thumbelina" is dated 1846. The tale has been adapted to various media including television drama and animated film.

Here is one time when her height is mentioned in the fairy tale:

"Thumbelina was so frightened that she trembled, for the bird was so big, so enormous compared to her own inch of height".

More Info: en.wikipedia.org