David Delamare

Twenty five tin soldiers, placed in a large box, continue to wait for a child to open the box. All were made from the same made from the same spoon, all exactly alike, save for one who is missing a leg because the maker of the soldiers ran out of tin.

Different, yet proudly standing as tall as the others. Black hats, white trousers, black boots and a rifle held tightly in place, the steadfast soldier performed as well as the others who were more fortunate. When taken out of the box, the steadfast soldier noted other toys in the room, including a beautiful paper castle with a lovely maiden standing so prettily outside the castle door. When the soldiers were placed back in the box, the steadfast tin soldier remained, gazing at the beautiful ballerina.

At night, when the toys come alive, the other tin soldiers could not open the fixed lid. But the one without a full leg, remained since the day. In a large snuff box, came a wicked, ugly goblin. With a nasty voice demanding the tin solider to return to the box. The next morning,the children placed the tin soldier on the windowsill, where he promptly fell. Frantically searching, none of the children could find the soldier. Two children, passing boy, made a paper boat for the solider. Spinning round and round, in dizzying speed, the boat flew down a drain.

A big, fat rat demanded a pass before the soldier could continue. The soldier put aside his fear and followed the current until light. Sinking to the bottom of the water, he landed inside the belly of a fish.

When the fish was split open by the person who caught him, the solider escaped and found himself back in the living room of the house with the beautiful dancer spinning beautifully.

The final adventure was nasty children who threw him into the fire. As he continued to watch the ballerina, his heart was filled with love. The next day, the maid found a small tin heart with a spangle the ballerina wore when she performed her beautiful dance.… (meer)

This book contains beautifully detailed illustrations by one of my favorite artists. David Delamare wrote and illustrated this magical story of London a long, long time ago when Old Winston Smith, a player of the violin and a credible violinist read the headline loudly proclaiming that "The Moon Has Gone Away!" And, as Winston searched the night sky, there was no quarter, waxing or waning, full moon.

Winston solicited the help of hi good friend the lion, Sebatian K. Curruso. Building a ship to sail into the air, they journeyed high in the sky. Studying maps and using a compass, higher and higher they traveled. Their adventure included a tumble by Winston who sailed through the blackness. Landing on a star, his friend Sebastian found a rope to pull him safely through the milky way.

Finding an arch, the entered and found the moon. Playing a song from his violin, the moon smiled and lit up the sky.
And, the moon shimmered and burst forth.
Thus is the tale of Sebastian and Winston who henceforth gazed upon the lovely moon.… (meer)

Long a favorite illustrator of mine, Delamare's images are very detailed. The hair on a lion's arm is drawn so that each and every hair is singular. A frown is multi-layered. The design on wallpaper is precise. A sharpened pencil reflects the indentations let from the sharpener.

This particular book was hard to find, and I had to search many sites before obtaining it, at a price higher than I am usually accustomed to spending. Originally from Leicester, England, he now resides in the United States. This is the first book he has both illustrated and written.

A tale of a lion, living in an attic, he hears the wind howl and the snow pelting the window on a cold winter's night. Suddenly, his old friend from his sea faring days, Quilty the penguin loudly opens the window. Elated to see him, Richardson the Lion begins to dance. The weather is bad reports Quilty. A storm is brewing and most likely toys will not be received on Christmas day.

Spending all his money on materials to make toys, Richardson works intensely. Creating a puppet theater, and many unique items, his friend the pelican steals a key that allows access to an attic where he knows an old santa suit is left in a corner in a old box.

As the lion, a mouse, and the pelican assist santa, all toys are delivered.

A simple tale. The beauty is in the incredible art work.… (meer)