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. 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. 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. 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. The Steadfast Tin Soldier, illustrated by Fred Marcellino.
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