Each December, generations of children delight in the ballet version of the quintessential Christmas story The Nutcracker. But few have had the opportunity to revel in the richly detailed original tale. Now, in this glorious new edition, acclaimed children's book author and editor Janet Schulman returns to the source'E.T.A. Hoffmann's “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice.” Here we meet Marie, her Nutcracker, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and all the other delightful characters, and we discover the answers to questions left unanswered by the ballet, like why the Nutcracker and the King of Mice were enemies.

Artist Renée Graef adds her own enchantment with stunning, jewellike paintings that bring the story thrillingly to life. As an added bonus, this must-have Christmas gift also includes a free audio CD with Tchaikovsky's inimitable musical score and a reading of the complete story by actress Claire Bloom.

ANNOTATION

One Christmas after hearing how the toy nutcracker made by her godfather got his ugly face, a little girl helps break the spell and watches him change into a handsome prince.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Exquisite illustrations by the late Don Daily grace our Miniature Edition™ adaptation of the beloved classic, and bring this Christmastime favorite to life. A sweet retelling of the familiar tale, featuring a vibrant cover image of the nutcracker figure in his traditional uniform, it's the ultimate holiday stocking stuffer.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Julie Paschkis's eclectic illustrations accompany this adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman's The Nutcracker, which includes some darker tales that never made it into the dance and a CD of Tchaikovsky's musical score, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. (Nov.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Though many children are familiar with the Nutcracker ballet, Schulman's (The 20th Century Children's Book Treasury) more complete version of Hoffman's "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" will keep young readers on their toes. This vivid tale of intrigue, wicked curses and rodents hot on revenge satisfyingly reveals why the Mouse King and the Nutcracker were such bitter enemies. The text was originally published in 1979; kids and parents will like the way it's presented here, with a CD containing actress Claire Bloom's reading of the story and selections of Tchaikovsky's music, and with Graef's slightly dark, antique-flavored paintings, themselves spiced with 19th-century decorations, toys and sweets. All ages. (Oct.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

An abbreviated version of this holiday story is retold here in rebus form. Kids are invited to place the stickers in their proper places within the text. Even if the stickers are lost (2 sets are included), the story can still be read since there is a blue outline drawing of each object. Each page also contains a list of the words that are represented by the stickers.

Children's Literature - Jan Lieberman

When exhausted parents collapse on Christmas Eve as their energetic children shout for more action, take out a copy of The Nutcracker. Put on the CD that accompanies the book so that the kiddies can hear the story read by Claire Bloom and listen to the background Tchaikovsky music. If the children are old enough, they can read along with Ms. Bloom and enjoy the illustrations of Renee Graef. This is a most pleasant diversion.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-5-This lovely adaptation is based on Hoffmann's classic story and includes a CD recording with selections from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. The text includes the often-omitted "Story of the Hard Nut," which is not part of the ballet but does serve to further readers' understanding of the cause of the conflict, and of the courage and goodness displayed by Clara. Paschkis's artwork ranges from single page to vignettes bordered with Christmas decorations relating to the action on the adjacent text, to a final, lush, double-page spread. An antique-beige background is warmly complemented by a palette of yellows, oranges, and bluish greens. Even if you have the versions by Maurice Sendak (Crown, 1991) and Janet Schulman (HarperCollins, 1999), you'll want to make room for this one.-L. F. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information. Read all 6 "From The Critics" >