When Saddam Hussein's successor forms an alliance with Iran, strengthening their lethal army, shockwaves reverberate around the globe, and Captain Patrick Dillon and a U.S. Army Heavy Brigade are sent in to destroy the enemy. Original.

A beautifully illustrated version of the classic fairy tale about a tin soldier’s adventure and his love for a ballerina, retold with a twist. With her signature warmth and lyricism, Newbery winner Cynthia Rylant has crafted a new version of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale about a tin soldier who falls in love with a ballerina. As in the original story, the tin soldier’s love for the beautiful ballerina is thwarted by a goblin. The tin soldier is separated from the other toys and washed down a sewer, where he encounters a rat and gets swallowed by a fish, but somehow, against all odds, he manages to end up back home only to be cast into the nursery fire. Rylant adds her own twist to the end of the tale, however, for in this version, the tin soldier and the ballerina are melded to each other, rather than melted, in the heat of the fire, so they’ll never be parted again. Rylant’s expert storytelling paired with Corace’s stunning illustrations create a beautiful, unforgettable tale of everlasting love. Praise for The Steadfast Tin Soldier “Gracefully written. . . . The book’s large format gives plenty of scope for Corace’s distinctive illustrations, precise ink drawings brightened with watercolor, gouache, and acrylic paints. Sometimes brilliantly colorful and sometimes more subdued, the scenes can be crowded with dozens of toys or other visual elements, but they show up well from a distance. The subtle depictions of the goblin and his shadow are particularly fine. A softened vision of the literary fairy tale.” —Booklist “Text and illustrations weave seamlessly to create an involving, fast-paced update of a much-loved tale. Rylant's retelling is abridged, yet sprightly, and Corace’s watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and pen-and-ink illustrations add nuance and whimsy to Andersen's original.” —School Library Journal

This is the first all-color book devoted to collecting the toy soldiers and figures that were sold in the Five-and-Dime stores. Over 650 photographs, showing in excess of three thousand toy figures, are arranged in thematic style and cover military and non-military toys. Complete with price guide, terminology, index, and over 60 manufacturers products. Thematic/category chapters make it easy for experienced and new collectors to easily locate figures.

“Amazing . . . A must-have must-read bible for lovers of toy history and in particular toy soldiers. Absolutely glorious!” —Books Monthly Humans have made and collected toy soldiers from time immemorial. They amuse and comfort us, awaken our curiosity, turn aggressiveness into creativity. In The History of Toy Soldiers, Luigi Toiati, himself an avid collector and manufacturer of toy soldiers, conveys and shares the pleasure of collecting and playing with them. Far from a dry encyclopedia, it leads the reader through the fascinating evolution of the toy soldier from ancient times to the early twenty-first century. The author, as a sociologist with an interest in semiotics (the study of signs), offers truly original insights into why different types of toy soldiers were born in a given period and country, or why in a given size and material. The author’s writing is packed with factual detail about the different types of toy (and model) soldiers and their manufacturers, but also with anecdotes, nostalgia, wit and his enduring passion for the subject. Six hundred beautiful color photographs, many depicting the author’s own collection, complete this delightful book. “Toiati creatively delivers exhaustive details, captivating anecdotes and a sense of nostalgia that exudes the fundamental childhood joy of playing with toy soldiers combined with adult collectors’ wonderment at their charms.” —Toy Soldier & Model Figure “A book that will enter the annals of Toy Soldier collections as one of the best and most complete books on this topic.” —IPMS/USA “A great journey of exploration.” —Miniature Wargaming

Every year, graduating Academy students set out to join the Mission on a multi-month expedition to bring hope and relief to the Badlands. This year's trip is different though... and it's not just because Damian Banach, the Academy's only Crow, is one of those students.The fact is, Damian's not there because of the Mission. He's there because he owes someone a favor, and that favor has come due. Now, he's headed into the Badlands to find the person responsible for the Break and all the chaos that came after.He's hunting for Dr. Nowhere.

Mexico City, 1846. Trouble is on the horizon. The United States' government, confident in the idea of Manifest Destiny, intends to conquer territory long claimed by Mexico. Six very different young men-Bara, Fernando, Juan, Francisco, Vicente, and Agustin-are caught up in the normal drama of youth: school, clashes with parents, rebellious schemes, and budding romances, even as they unknowingly careen toward a violent but glorious fate. The forces of U.S. president James Polk approach the ancient Castle of Chapultepec, and the story of these young tin soldiers becomes legend as they fight for their nation's honor with bravery, vigor, and sacrifice in the bloody, but often forgotten, Mexican-American War. The war tests friendships and alliances, and even famed American general, Zachary Taylor, will come to question Polk's justification for war. Mexicans and Americans have the same desire for freedom, security, and opportunity. As President Harry Truman said on a 1947 visit to Mexico, one hundred years after the war's end, "Brave men don't belong to any one country." Written in the vein of The Red Badge of Courage, Tin Soldiers is an intimate portrait of young men at war.

The reader is taken through every stage in the modelling of an individual toy soldier. The book starts with a look at basic human anatomy. Tools and techniques are discussed and advice is given on the choice of era, regiment and uniform. It concludes with suggestions for storage and display.

Owen is a toy soldier who is far from perfect, yet he dreams of being a part of a family. Will he ever find the perfect family for him?

'The Tin Soldier's Tale' is a touching narrative by Chrissy Johnson that reimagines the classic story in a steampunk setting. The book follows the journey of Edward, a brave tin soldier who sets out on a quest to find his lost love, a porcelain ballerina. Along the way, he encounters a host of mechanical characters, each with their own story and struggles. Edward's journey is filled with danger and heartbreak, but also with moments of hope and resilience. This beautifully crafted tale explores the themes of love, courage, and the enduring spirit of determination, creating a narrative that will captivate readers and leave a lasting impression.