The Nutcracker

Celebrated children's author and artist Susan Jeffers turns her attention to the ballet The Nutcracker in this lovely holiday picture-book. Pairing a simple text with beautiful artwork (created in watercolor, I believe), she spins the magical tale of Marie, who is given a wooden Nutcracker by her godfather for Christmas. All of the major incidents of the ballet - the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the visit to the Land of Sweets, the national dances performed there - follow, as Marie's wonderful dream (or is it?) unfolds. The book concludes with the information that the Prince/Nutcracker eventually returns to marry Marie, when she is grown...

Jeffers' The Nutcracker is the sixth picture-book retelling of this tale that show more I have read, following upon versions presented by Alison Jay, Niroot Puttapipat, Shobhna Patel, Grace Maccarone, and Renate Raecke. I've also read a number of picture-books - Tallulah's Nutcracker, Ella Bella Ballerina and The Nutcracker, Zombelina Dances The Nutcracker - depicting young ballerinas either performing this ballet or learning about it. Suffice it to say, this is a popular topic for picture-books, although apparently in 2007, when Jeffers was considering working on this version, there was far less available. Her presentation is just lovely, and I particularly appreciated the spreads which contained multiple panels, showing various different scenes at once. The paintings here are rich, and quite appealing, capturing the charm of the story, and the detailed costumes and backdrops of each scene. I don't know that this is my absolute favorite, of the retellings I have read - that is probably the Puttapipat version - but it is quite winsome. Recommended to Jeffers' fans, and to anyone looking for excellent picture-books devoted to the story of The Nutcracker ballet. show less

Susan Jeffer's adaptation of The Nutcracker is truly extraordinary, and I loved it. The main idea of this story is that you can and should let your imagination run wild! Fantasy worlds are just beyond reach, within our own minds. One reason I love this book is because of the large illustrations and limited text. Even though there isn't much written on each page, the pictures are extremely large and elaborate, and therefore tell more than the text does. For example, in the first pages when they're showing the family getting read for the party, they show the house like a dollhouse, showing the attic and kitchens and adjoining rooms. I really like that even though the text doesn't say the specifics of what's going on in the house, you can show more look at all of the little pictures of the rooms and explore what people are doing to get ready for the party. I also like this book because of the detail of emotion in the illustrated characters' faces. Again, because of limited text, the elaborate drawings of people's faces (such as Clara's and Herr Drosselmeier's) show how they are feeling, and allow the reader to relate. show less

While it is early to begin reading holiday books, I found this one in a cabinet on the bottom on the pile. I'm having fun finding old and new books that bring a smilre.

The story is the same, but the the illustrations are different and lovingly rendered. The Christmas festivities are beginning as the horse-drawn carriages bring the guests to a lovely large home, beautifully decorated. It's Christmas Even and Marie and brother Fritz are excited . One guest in particular is very welcomed. Herr Drosselmeier is Marie's Godfather, and well-known for his famous toy making abilities.

Marie receives a hand-made wooden Nutcracker. Nasty Fritz grabbed the boy and threw it where it landed on the floor with a broken head. After the party has ended, show more Nutcracker has an adventure brought on by her God father. The adventure includes mice, a clock that strikes midnight, a ever-growing Christmas tree with an army waiting to attack.

The mouse king attempts to overrun the Mouse King, who now becomes a handsome prince who bows to Marie. Now the land of ballerinas who live in a lade of sweets given b the Sugar Plum Fairy. As the night ends, Marie longed to know if she would see the young handsome prince again. It was her love of the Prince that broke the spell of imprisonment.

Years later, Price and Marie are engaged and wed. Now they enter the land of the sweets driven by four incredibly beautiful horses.

This tale is beautifully rendered every time it is told. show less

Susan Jeffers story, “The Nutcracker” is an excellent example of the traditional ballet for young children. I enjoyed reading this story because of the simple text and luminous illustrations. The writing itself was short and to the point, thus providing a great introduction for children to understand. However, the pictures were large, taking up the whole page, and included much detail. The illustrations were created with light, subtle colors, clearly depicting the classical and elegant drama. The pictures allowed the reader to understand the characters through their emotions. Take Marie for example. She was radiant, blushing and smiling, when she first received the wooden Nutcracker, but fearful when her brother threw him in the show more air. I think the big idea of this story is to provide an understanding of the famous ballet to young children, while staying true to the ballet, and encouraging children’s imagination and dreams. show less

The Nutcracker is a classic fairy tale about a little girl who is given a Nutcracker for Christmas by her magical godfather. This is no ordinary Nutcracker, however. This Nutcracker was once a handsome prince who was put under an enchantment. The little girl breaks the enchantment by saving him in battle and the Prince takes her to his homeland where they enjoy a lovely ball and feast. Unfortunately, the night must end and the young girl must go home where her Nutcracker is still her simple Nutcracker. Once she expresses her love for the Prince to her Uncle, he breaks the spell permanently and the Prince and little girl grow up and live happily ever after.

When I was little and living in Massachusetts, my parents would take me into show more Boston to see the Nutcracker live. Honestly, this story was meant to be a ballet. The music and dancing all felt magical when seeing it live. That's why I particularly like this picture book version. Although many versions exist, very few incorporate the ballet. This one does so beautifully. show less

One of the books I read with my son multiple times every Christmas season. The pictures are gorgeous, and it's a great retelling of the beloved story.

The Nutcracker wrote by Susan Jeffers is a beautiful book for a child to read. This book is under the fantasy and fairytale genre. I enjoyed the book because I was a ballerina growing up. The book is made up of elaborate illustrations and simple text. The text and the pictures enhance each other by not saying everything that is shown. The book focuses on a little girl who receives a nutcracker at Christmas time, but it wasn't a typical nutcracker. I also love the Barbie movie that was made of this book.