Nutcracker Ballet

Features

• Reading level: Baby-Preschool
  
• Cover Type: Paperback with 32 pages
• Published by: Scholastic Paperbacks October 1, 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0439081858
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0439081856
• Book Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.8 x 0.2 inches
• Weighs: 6.4 ounces

From Booklist
Ages 6^-9. Vagin's intricate period watercolors, not the straightforward telling, will pull readers into this story. Clara and the other children dress in formal nineteenth-century clothing and are lovely; Herr Drosselmeier dons a black cape and an eye patch and is just strange enough to be effective; the Nutcracker stands tall, proud, and well polished (so does the prince); the Mouse King and his soldiers are dark and nasty; and the inhabitants of the Land of the Sweets have a fantastical, dramatic quality about them. The paintings are rich and dense, and Vagin's ability to capture the flavor of the different cultures reflected in the various dances lends credibility and appeal to his version of the story. Children will pore over the details in the Christmas tree decorations, costumes, architecture, and landscapes and always discover something new. Kathy Broderick --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
It's Christmas Eve in 19th century Europe. And on this magical evening, young Clara's eccentric godfather has given her a gorgeous wooden nutcracker.As midnight strikes, Clara's wooden toy transforms into a handsome prince, and Christmas quickly becomes even more enchanting. The prince takes Clara on a romantic overnight adventure into a dream world of delicacies called the Land of Sweets.Clara's adventure ends as she wakes up snuggly tucked in her bed. As she embraces her nutcracker, she realizes that the best part of Christmasis the magic it brings.

Reader Reviews
This is a fine, beautifully illustrated companion to a child's first Nutcracker. While the text may be a little advanced for smaller children, the illustrations will bring the ballet to vivid life. The picture of the Mouse King may be a bit frightening for younger children (as it was for the young person to whom I read the story).