Christmas Time: The Nutcracker Book Review, a Ballet Story for Kids
Clara travels through the Land of Sweets to rescue her Nutcracker in this picture book retelling of the classic tale and ballet. Story, characters and pictures.
If your child has ever twirled around the living room to music, the Nutcracker is a story waiting for them: toys that come alive, a Mouse King and a land made of sweets.
In this Christmas Time: The Nutcracker book review we look at the story, the characters, the illustrations, what children gain from it and why it makes a good gift.
The short answer Christmas Time: The Nutcracker is an illustrated picture book retelling of the classic holiday tale, adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann's story and Tchaikovsky's ballet. Clara travels through the Land of Sweets to rescue her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King. It is a family read about bravery, friendship and imagination, with a first taste of ballet and classical music.
ISBN: 9781782098355
Christmas Time: The Nutcracker book review: what the story is about
Clara sets off on a magical journey through the Land of Sweets.
Her beloved Nutcracker comes to life, and she must rescue him and save the kingdom from darkness. Along the way she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and faces the Mouse King.
It is a classic tale of bravery, adventure and the power of imagination.
The characters
- Clara: the brave, resourceful heroine.
- The Nutcracker: Clara's beloved toy, who comes to life and leads her on her adventure.
- The Sugar Plum Fairy: the graceful ruler of the Land of Sweets, who helps Clara.
- The Mouse King: the villain who wants to destroy the Nutcracker and conquer the Land of Sweets.
Why families love this book
The Nutcracker has delighted audiences for generations. This book's detailed pictures and story take readers into a world of dancing snowflakes, toy soldiers and sweet treats.
Its themes of courage, friendship and the joy of the holiday season make it a book families come back to year after year.
The illustrations
The pictures are lavish and colourful. Glittering snowflakes and the treats of the Sugar Plum Fairy's kingdom fill the pages.
They capture the atmosphere of Tchaikovsky's ballet and pull children right into the Nutcracker's world.
Book type and who it suits
It is a children's picture book made for sharing with the whole family during the holiday season.
The large format and sturdy pages suit young readers, and the story and pictures mean it will be kept for years.
Christmas Time: The Nutcracker book for kids: what they gain
- Imagination: following Clara through the Land of Sweets encourages creative thinking.
- Values: bravery, friendship and believing in yourself.
- The arts: a gentle first introduction to classical music and ballet.
Music tip Play the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker while you read that page. Most children start dancing.
About the publisher
The publisher is known for quality children's books built around classic tales, made to entertain, educate and encourage a love of reading.
Similar books in this category
- "The Nutcracker" by Susan Jeffers
- "The Nutcracker in Harlem" by T.E. McMorrow
- "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E.T.A. Hoffmann
Gift it right: The Nutcracker as a birthday gift
A ballet story with sturdy pages is one of the lovelier books as birthday gifts for kids, especially for a child who loves dance or music, and it works at Christmas too. Add a name label inside the cover and a ballerina name sticker on the wrapping.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Christmas Time: The Nutcracker about?
Clara's journey through the Land of Sweets to rescue her Nutcracker from the Mouse King.
Is the Christmas Time: The Nutcracker book for kids who like ballet?
Yes. It is adapted from Tchaikovsky's ballet and introduces children to classical music and ballet.
Who wrote the original Nutcracker story?
E.T.A. Hoffmann. This picture book adapts his story and Tchaikovsky's ballet.
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