About This Book
Reach for this book when your child begins showing an interest in complex hero stories where cleverness and luck matter more than physical strength. It is an ideal pick for a child who feels small in a big world and wants to see a character navigate strange circumstances through wit and bravery. This classic Hans Christian Andersen tale, updated with Stephen Mitchell's crisp prose, follows a soldier who gains control over three magical dogs with enormous eyes. While the story features traditional fairy tale logic, it provides a rich landscape for discussing justice, desire, and the consequences of one's choices. It is a visually and narratively striking choice for elementary-aged children who are ready for more sophisticated folklore that includes darker edges and magical wonder. Parents will appreciate the way it sparks imagination while teaching that even a penniless soldier can change his fate with a little nerve.
