The Steadfast Tin Soldier

On a shelf in a child's room stood a row of cheerful tin soldiers in red coats. The very smallest had only one leg, because there was just a tiny bit of tin left when he was made. But he was brave and kind, and he stood perfectly straight. At the far end of the shelf, a paper ballerina danced on one toe, soft and lovely. 'How pretty she is,' the little soldier thought quietly to himself.

One evening a soft breeze was blowing outside, and the window slowly slid open. The wind puffed into the room, and the little soldier tumbled down, down, down from the shelf and out through the window. He landed plop into a tiny paper boat the child had folded earlier. The boat rocked out onto a puddle that glittered like a little river. 'I am not afraid,' thought the brave soldier.

Suddenly a curious silver fish swam up and gulped the boat down in one big friendly swallow. Inside the fish it was dark and quiet, but the little soldier stood perfectly straight. 'I will be home again soon, I am sure,' he whispered. Soon after, the fish was caught by a kind fisherman and carried home for supper. When the child opened the fish, out tumbled the little soldier, glittering and wet but whole.