The steadfast tin soldier

In the last year I read the story of The Steadfast Tin Soldier in a collection of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales. I'll have to go check to be certain, but I think it was in a book selection from Sonlight P3/4. I was not that crazy about the story and thought it was pretty sad, but then it seems typical fairy tales from times gone are a bit more morose than the happily ever after we all crave now. Also recently I've been more aware of books by [a:Cynthia Rylant 5411 Cynthia Rylant https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1228192636p2/5411.jpg] as I keep finding her on my lists that I look at for suggestions for school. As a matter of fact, it was through Memoria Press' Jr. K that I first heard her name and I have found that I have enjoyed those suggestions so far so she is an author to consider. Now, in the same mindset of looking at those lists, I have added [b:The Brave Tin Soldier 13231005 The Brave Tin Soldier Hans Christian Andersen https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344687994s/13231005.jpg 2146970] specifically the American Antiquarian Society version to my wishlist for Memoria Press' Third Grade Curriculum. While I have a few years to get to that (as we are finishing of Jr. K and starting Kindergarten in the fall!) when I saw that this year Abram Books for Young Readers was publishing a new picture book version of Hans Christian Andersen's The Steadfast Tin Soldier written by Cynthia Ryland I was excited. Then when I found a copy in the local bookstore, I couldn't help but snatch it up for a bargain! This version retold by Cynthia Rylant is illustrated by [a:Jen Corace 1460321 Jen Corace https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1299730343p2/1460321.jpg] and it is lovely, definitely very attractive to view. The light characters are visually very light and bright, while the darker characters are literally dark brown and green tones. Then there is the retelling. While overall the story does follow back along with the classic I know it has a pleasant ending that in it's own way is a happily ever after. In rating this one I'm actually pretty caught between four or five stars. While the general story doesn't impress me, this specific version does. I'm glad I snatched it up. While I'm still curious to see the AAS version, I do like this one from Cynthia Rylant. [bc:The Brave Tin Soldier 13231005 The Brave Tin Soldier Hans Christian Andersen https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344687994s/13231005.jpg 2146970]