I typically love Jan Brett's books, but this one didn't quite captivate me the same way. It was a fairly weak adaptation of "The Nutcracker." ( )

I loved this new book from the ever-talented Jan Brett. The illustrations are breathtaking. The main images on each page tell the classic story of ETA Hoffmann's Nutcracker, from Herr Drosselmeyer's figures to Marie's love for her nutcracker through the battle with the Mouse King and the journey through the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The illustrations are rich with color and detail, with new things to notice every time you read it. I was especially tickled to see the hedgehogs with the flowers on their prickles.

In Brett's classic style, there is also a story playing out in the side panels of each page. Part is details of what is to come or is happening along with the main page. The other parts show the animals in the orchestra, playing the music that goes along with the story.

I've seen comments about the lack of dancing and disappointment that it doesn't look like the ballet, so many people are familiar with. The story is based on the original by ETA Hoffmann, published in 1816, which was only adapted to ballet much later (1892). Brett herself says that it was the music that inspired her vision. Russia is the book's setting because the music invokes Ms. Brett's visits to Russia. In 1847, famous French author Alexandre Dumas rewrote Hoffmann's story, removing some of its darker elements and changing the name to Clara.

This is an outstanding addition to my collection of Brett books which I started around 1991. ( )