I always adored The Steadfast (or Constant) Tin Soldier. Since I saw many different adaptions of this story, I wanted to read the original piece and get a grasp on the themes made by Hans Christian Anderson. It is by far my favourite made by him, and I adore it! The story addresses an amazing theme and has beautiful imagery. Five out of five stars! ( )

For a freebie from itunes, this was beautifully done, however the story, itself, was just awful. Don't read it to kids if your looking for a happily-ever-after type tale or if they cry when characters die. ( )

The Brave Tin Soldier
Bryan O'Keeffe

I had read this story as a child and still loved this book and story. This is a classic and will never get old or become a bad story. The thing I really enjoyed most was the plot in this story. The story was written in a classical historical feel. The story did not feel like it was written in the last several decades. I really liked how the story did not include that many illustrations. Usually I would feel opposite about this book but I think because the book was written so long ago that less was more. This left it up to the reader to really imagine the story in their head I did enjoy the 5 illustrations that were included in the book. They were only of several colors and looked to be of pen and paper as well, which gave the book an even more authentic historical feel. I would recommend this book to all who are looking for a classic book to read.

"in the shape of a small tin heart"
*howls in grief*
How could you do this to me, Hans Christian Anderson? HOW? ( )

The Steadfast Tin Soldier, illustrated by Fred Marcellino.

The Steadfast Tin Soldier - Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat in the original Danish - is the melancholy tale of one-legged toy soldier, who stays true to his love for a paper ballerina when chance, or the (possible) machinations of a jealous goblin, take him far from her side. Although the use of a toy figurine is reminiscent of Andersen's The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep, the theme of unrequited love in the story also reminded me of his tale of The Snowman.

This edition of the tale, adapted by Tor Seidler and illustrated by Fred Marcellino - who also worked together on Seidler's A Rat's Tale and The Wainscott Weasel - features an engaging narrative and appealing illustrations. I was a little puzzled to see that Marcellino, who was awarded a Caldecott Honor in 1991 for Puss in Boots, chose to locate this tale in a Christmas setting, as the original clearly states that the boy receives a gift of tin soldiers for his birthday. Perhaps he felt that the many Christmas elements - the decorated tree, the piles of gifts, the many visitors - would add to the richness of his paintings? In any case, it was a little odd to see the Christmas setting, although the artwork was quite beautiful. ( )