The Steadfast Tin Soldier

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 show more 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. show less

Andersen fue un escritor que creaba historias sumamente tristes pero que llegan muy hondo en quien lo lee.

Esta historia creo que podría ser que entre dentro de cuentos para niños, exalta la valentía y el que, a pesar de la adversidad, continuemos creyendo en nuestros sueños. Un cuento muy cortito, con un final que enaltece esa concepción romantica de la tristeza y que vale la pena tomarse unos minutos para leer.

This could be a lesson for treat people nicely who are diffrent. The soldier had only one leg and was given a hard time for it but he stayed polite and brave even though his life wasn't going as he hoped.