One of Hans Christian Andersen’s most romantic tales, The Steadfast Tin Soldier tells the story of a one-legged tin soldier who suffers a terrible fate all for the love of a beautiful paper dancer. Cursed by a jealous goblin, the toy solider is sent flying out the window to the street below, where a perilous adventure carries him ever further from his love. But throughout his ordeal, the soldier remains sturdy and staunch on his one leg, ever true to his beloved little dancer.
Europe
Materials from Europe
The Ugly Duckling
An ugly duckling spends an unhappy year ostracized by the other animals before he grows into a beautiful swan.
The Steadfast Tin Soldier
This book retells the perilous adventures of a one-legged toy soldier in love with a paper-doll ballet dancer.
The Swineherd
A prince disguises himself as a swineherd and learns the true character of the princess he desires. After the author of this story finishes relating it, his animal audience presents an alternative ending.
The Nightingale
Despite being neglected by the emperor for a jewel-studded bird, the little nightingale revives the dying ruler with its beautiful song.
The Ugly Duckling
An ugly duckling spends an unhappy year ostracized by the other animals before he grows into a beautiful swan.
The Wild Swans
Eleven brothers, turned into wild swans by an evil stepmother, are saved by the sacrifices of their beautiful sister, Elise.
Han’s Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale
The hero of this story is a little bird with a very sweet song-so sweet it brings tears to the eyes of the Chinese Emperor and charms Death right back into the graveyard.
Hedgie’s Surprise
Hedgie, the hedgehog, helps Henny, the speckled hen, trick the Tomten who has been eating all of Henny’s eggs for breakfast.
The Ugly Duckling
An ugly duckling spends an unhappy year excluded by the other animals before he grows into a beautiful swan.