The Steadfast Tin Soldier

10 pages · 3 min · ages 5+

Based on: Danish (Hans Christian Andersen)

Twenty-five tin soldiers stood very still. One soldier had only one leg. He was a very brave toy. His red uniform looked very bright. He stood straight on a table. The little boy loved him most.

A paper castle stood nearby too. A lovely ballerina lived right there. She wore a dress of white. She stood on just one leg. The soldier liked her very much. They looked like a perfect pair. He felt a warm glow inside.

A Jack-in-the-Box watched from his corner. He felt very jealous of them. He wanted the ballerina's attention instead. Jack jumped out with a loud boing. He gave the soldier a push. The soldier fell out the window. He began a very long journey.

Rain began to fall very fast. Water carried the soldier away quickly. He did not cry for help. He kept his chin held high. Two boys found him in mud. They made a tiny paper boat. The soldier sailed down the street.

The paper boat moved quite fast. Waves splashed over the tiny boat. The soldier stayed very, very still. He was steadfast during the ride. A big rat watched from shore. The soldier kept his eyes forward. He was a very brave friend.

The paper boat began to sink. A large fish swam near him. The fish opened its wide mouth. It swallowed the soldier whole today. It was dark inside the fish. The fish was very gentle indeed. It carried him through deep water.

A cook bought the large fish. She took the fish home soon. She found the soldier inside it. She carried him to the nursery. He was back in his room. The ballerina was still there waiting. He felt very happy to return.

Jack saw the soldier come back. He saw the soldier was tenacious. Jack felt bad for his trick. He hopped out of his box. He said he was truly sorry. He wanted to be friends now. The soldier nodded with a smile.

All the toys began to dance. They were glad he was home. The ballerina danced around the soldier. They were finally together once more. The room was full of joy. Bravery had won the big day. It was a very special party.

The soldier stood on the table. He was still very brave today. He never gave up his hope. The ballerina stood right by him. They were a very happy pair. The nursery was a peaceful place. They slept under the bright moon.