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The Nutcracker
by
New York Times bestselling artist Susan Jeffers has created a Nutcracker unlike any that has gone before, with a lovely spare text based on the ballet.
This is the perfect gift to share with children before they see The Nutcracker. Everyone who has seen the ballet will cherish it--as will anyone who enjoys stories where love triumphs.
Come, take a front-row seat. The
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Dec 11, 2008
Kathryn
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
those seeking a ballet-influenced "Nutcracker" with lovely, soft artwork
Recommended to Kathryn by:
Chandra--thank you!
I'm so glad Chandra brought this lovely version of "The Nutcracker" to my attention. It is based on the ballet version of The Nutcracker and I loved seeing all those elements (right down to Marie throwing her ballet slipper at the Mouse King!) and the really lovely Land of Sweets populated with all manner of ballerina-versions of candy and flowers and snowflakes! :-) Dear to my heart since once, years ago, I was Marie in "The Nutcracker."
This Nutcracker tale left me feeling very… mixed.
On the one hand, the illustrations were simply wonderful, and the author did a good job of summarizing the story for little ones to enjoy. I also appreciated that the author chose to incorporate ballet into the storyline. This may seem inconsequential, but since the ballet is so well-known, beloved (and often a child’s first introduction to the story), it was a nice touch.
On the other hand, in the process of summarizing the story for young ...more
On the one hand, the illustrations were simply wonderful, and the author did a good job of summarizing the story for little ones to enjoy. I also appreciated that the author chose to incorporate ballet into the storyline. This may seem inconsequential, but since the ballet is so well-known, beloved (and often a child’s first introduction to the story), it was a nice touch.
On the other hand, in the process of summarizing the story for young ...more
Dec 11, 2018
Abigail
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Susan Jeffers Fans / Readers Looking for Charming Picture-Books Featuring 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,
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The story was very simple, sweet and short for a quick read about the magical seasonal ballet that we all adore. The pictures are nice watercolor of some of the nicest dances from the ballet.
This is my second year reading this book to upper elementary kids the week before Christmas break. I love it! It's quick read aloud - 5 to 7 minutes - but does an excellent job retelling the story of the Nutcracker and tying it to the ballet. Afterward I show clips from the ballet and most of the kiddos are interested and engaged seeing the dancers and understanding where that scene falls in the story. Even though The Nutcracker is a Christmas story, by focusing on the fairy tale elements and
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This is a beautifully illustrated version of The Nutcracker. The narrative is short enough to keep the attention of young children and the illustrations have a lot of detail and action.
I discovered this book for sale at a souvenir stand where our girls and I had just seen a performance of the Nutcracker, and so I browsed through the book while our girls ooh'd and ahh'd at the Nutcrackers, ballerina figurines, tiaras, and such.
It's a great book to read to children so they can understand the ...more
I discovered this book for sale at a souvenir stand where our girls and I had just seen a performance of the Nutcracker, and so I browsed through the book while our girls ooh'd and ahh'd at the Nutcrackers, ballerina figurines, tiaras, and such.
It's a great book to read to children so they can understand the ...more
Copyright: 2007
Genre: Picture Book
This was a great adaption of "The Nutcracker" story. In the author's note in the back, Jeffers wrote that one of her purposes for writing this book was to create a less lengthy version of the story that could easily be read to a child. I think that Jeffers met this goal really well while staying true to the story. I love the length because it makes it possible for me to introduce "The Nutcracker" to my music students and complete a lesson within one or two 30 ...more
Genre: Picture Book
This was a great adaption of "The Nutcracker" story. In the author's note in the back, Jeffers wrote that one of her purposes for writing this book was to create a less lengthy version of the story that could easily be read to a child. I think that Jeffers met this goal really well while staying true to the story. I love the length because it makes it possible for me to introduce "The Nutcracker" to my music students and complete a lesson within one or two 30 ...more
Great adaptation of The Nutcracker. Finally a simplified version that children will understand and enjoy. Beautiful illustration as usual for Jeffers. this will be a seasonal favorite.
The Nutcracker is my most favourite story I’ve ever read and this edition – all while being aimed for young children – is beautiful.
I would have adored this growing up and I am promising myself to keep it safe so that one day, maybe my own future kids will enjoy it.
I would have adored this growing up and I am promising myself to keep it safe so that one day, maybe my own future kids will enjoy it.
4.5 stars
A very short but very beautifully illustrated version of the Nutcracker. My kids really liked this book.
A very short but very beautifully illustrated version of the Nutcracker. My kids really liked this book.
Loved the illustrations most of all.
I loved the Nutcracker growing up where I would go to the productions with my mom. Plus my best friend, Jessica has danced in the Vancouver Ballet Theater's production. I loved the illustrations because they remind me of the backdrop of the stage at the productions I would go to. I would use this as a read aloud at Christmastime.
Beautifully illustrated but painfully condensed.
The main character, Marie, gets three toys from her uncle for Christmas, one of those toys is a wooden nutcracker. However, her brother, Fritz, is jealous and looks like he is about to hurt Marie. When he drops the Nutcracker to the floor and breaks its head, Marie doesn’t retaliate, but drops to the floor and cradles her broken toy as if it were a baby. The adults are concerned. Marie sleeps with her toy under the Christmas tree. She won’t let go of the Nutcracker. The uncle puts a spell and
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Set in the Victorian times, this version of the Nutcracker is a beautiful, simple introduction to the story and the ballet. Jeffer's illustrations bring alive a sense of wonder and enchantment. The soft hues and intricate details will draw young children into the story. She captures the excitement and emotional tenor of the story in a way that captivates audiences. The simple text clearly explains the gift of the Nutcracker at the Christmas party, the Nutcracker's fight with the Mouse King, and
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First sentence: It was Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaums' house. Marie and her little brother, Fritz, were listening at the ballroom door, waiting for the party to begin.
Premise/plot: An age-appropriate retelling of the Nutcracker ballet. In the author's note, Jeffers mentions that while there are plenty of Nutcracker adaptations and retellings, they tend to be very text-heavy. Her book seeks to tell the familiar story of the ballet in a way that you could actually share it with young children.
My ...more
Premise/plot: An age-appropriate retelling of the Nutcracker ballet. In the author's note, Jeffers mentions that while there are plenty of Nutcracker adaptations and retellings, they tend to be very text-heavy. Her book seeks to tell the familiar story of the ballet in a way that you could actually share it with young children.
My ...more
Beautiful, beautiful book! I want to read it over and over just to gaze at the illustrations.
What a beautifully illustrated tale of fantasy! This is told and illustrated in a very classic style, with gorgeous watercolor illustrations throughout. The ending is a little different from what I remember at the ballet version, but very satisfying nonetheless. I think children will enjoy reading it, especially if they are going to see the new Nutcracker movie this season. It would make a nice Christmas gift, as well. Highly recommended for Grades 2-5. It could be read aloud to younger
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This is the best book to read before seeing the Nutcracker ballet! There are lots of versions of the Nutcracker, but the original by Hoffman isn’t great for young children and most versions don’t relate very well to the ballet. This book is really a retelling of the ballet more than the Hoffman story, and it’s wonderful! It’s well written and the illustrations are beautiful. My 5-year-old loves it, as she did last year!
Perfect present for my five-year old niece, who danced in her first Nutcracker production as a snowflake. The glittery cover is perfect, the story abridged to make for a lovely read aloud, and Jeffers’ illustrations leave open many possibilities of exploration and discovery.
In a crowded room of Nutcracker books, this one is a stand-out.
In a crowded room of Nutcracker books, this one is a stand-out.
Good story - but not a good ebook
The Nutcracker is a lovely Christmas fairytale! The artwork is beautiful in this edition. Unfortunately this picture book doesn't translate to an ebook very well. The print is too small and it isn't easy to enlarge the text. Despite the tiny font it was still a nice book to read with my daughter.
The Nutcracker is a lovely Christmas fairytale! The artwork is beautiful in this edition. Unfortunately this picture book doesn't translate to an ebook very well. The print is too small and it isn't easy to enlarge the text. Despite the tiny font it was still a nice book to read with my daughter.
This is the first time that I have read the Nutcracker, so, I do not know how close it is to the original story. All that being said, I thought it was very sweet. It teaches the readers how to treat people and things with respect. I always like a good romance story!
Grade: k-3
Genre: Traditional Literature
Grade: k-3
Genre: Traditional Literature
A lovely picture book for young children that tells the story of this ballet. We read this to our 5 year old before taking her to see the Houston Ballet performance so she would have a better idea of what was happening during the performance. My daughter really loved this book and asked if we could keep it longer from the library.
Delightful in every possible way!
This picture book version of the Nutcracker Ballet contains a brief retelling of this enchanting tale. The illustrations will secure it it's rightful place amidst the Christmas seasons best books.
This picture book version of the Nutcracker Ballet contains a brief retelling of this enchanting tale. The illustrations will secure it it's rightful place amidst the Christmas seasons best books.
Great intro to the ballet in picture-book format. We liked that there was lots of dancing in the illustrations, as there should be! We were confused why the girl's name is Marie instead of Clara. It has an extended, fairy-tale ending.
This is my favorite Christmas story apart from Dickens Christmas Carol. I've seen the musical, the live action movie, and the Barbie version. I even read somewhere that Disney is making a new version of the nutcracker. Can't wait for that and the new retellings I found by Claire Legrand
A simplified version of The Nutcracker. This book incorporates ballet, but also reducing down the story to make it easier for young children to follow. Lovely illustrations. A good addition to our collection.
Lovely illustrations by Jeffers, as usual. The fact that Marie's godfather is creeping on her the whole time, and that he essentially chooses her husband for her was a little weird, but that's okay.
Good that they made a children's - level translation, but they really left out some important pieces. I did like how they made the story a ballet however.
A longer version of the story than I've read before.
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There is more than one author with this name.
Biography:
Graduate of Pratt Institute 1964
Worked in the publishing field for three years
Began freelance career in 1968
Published first children's book in 1970
Awards:
Caldecott Honor
Golden Apple Biennial Bratislava
The ABBY American Booksellers Best Book award
Society of Illustrators Awards of Merit
Golden Kite Society of Children's Books Author Illustrators
Biography:
Graduate of Pratt Institute 1964
Worked in the publishing field for three years
Began freelance career in 1968
Published first children's book in 1970
Awards:
Caldecott Honor
Golden Apple Biennial Bratislava
The ABBY American Booksellers Best Book award
Society of Illustrators Awards of Merit
Golden Kite Society of Children's Books Author Illustrators
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