Soldiers of the Queen

In the first pages a lively tabletop skirmish erupts, where tin soldiers march across a linen battlefield and a handful of children argue over the number of peas fired from a makeshift pea‑shooter. The narrator watches the clatter of glass bottles, ink‑wells and pencils becoming improvised fortifications, while a cheeky sister and her brother Valentine trade barbs and laughter. Their play is both comic and oddly solemn, hinting at the thin line between make‑believe and real combat.

The story then widens beyond the playroom, following the same cast as they grow into the ranks of an actual regiment. Through a series of short, punchy episodes we see their courage tested, friendships strained, and a sly, sometimes dark humor that softens the harsher realities of military life. The book balances whimsical nostalgia with a gently critical eye on the rituals of war, making it a thoughtful listen for anyone who remembers the way childhood games can echo adult battles.