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If You Like...the Nutcracker

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Traditions are a big part of the Christmas season and attending "The Nutcracker" is certainly a holiday tradition for many families. I remember attending The Nutcracker when I was young and I have taken my daughter to see The Nutcracker many times through the years. The Nutcracker debuted in 1892 and now, a century later, it's still an endearing holiday favorite. If you enjoy watching the Nutcracker at Christmas time, you might also enjoy reading some books about this famous ballet. 


Jan Brett's The Nutcracker
Written and Illustrated by: Jan Brett
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2021. Picture Book.

This classic story of the nutcracker takes place in snowy Russia with Marie, her brother Fritz, their Uncle Drosselmeier, and a little bit of Christmas magic. This beautifully illustrated story follows the storyline of Tchaikovsky's ballet with the main characters we all know and love along with dancing bears, flying squirrels, and adorable hedgehogs. The adventure takes its readers to a dreamland where the Nutcracker battles with the Mouse King and ends in the magical land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. 

The Night Before The Nutcracker
Written by John Robert Allman
Illustrated by Julianna Swaney
Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2022. Picture Book.

If you have ever dreamed of dancing in the Nutcracker ballet, you will want to read this book. Performing in The Nutcracker is both exciting and thrilling for dancers as well as the audience. The Night Before The Nutcracker is told from a young ballet student's experience of performing in The Nutcracker starting with auditions, then moving to rehearsals, costume fittings, and finally the opening night performance. A delightful parody that is especially poignant for young dancers who aspire to perform in the Nutcracker someday. 

Grand Jeté and Me
Written by Allegra Kent
Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
HarperCollins Children Books, 2021. Picture Book. 

A special Christmas occasion is in store for a little girl visiting her grandmother in New York. She is attending The Nutcracker for the first time with her grandmother, a former principal dancer with the New York Ballet. During the day they practice their ballet techniques as they make lunch and get ready for the performance. Before the show begins, they go backstage and meet some of her grandmother's friends before enjoying a magical evening of ballet together.

Families who are preparing to see The Nutcracker for the first time will enjoy reading this delightful story together. 

Charlotte and The Nutcracker: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History
Written by Charlotte Nebres
Illustrated by Alea Marley
Random House, 2021. Picture Book.

Dancing can take hours and hours of practice and young Charlotte Nebres has dedicated many hours of practice to perfecting her technique. In this true story, Charlotte practices everyday in hopes of one day dancing in The Nutcracker with the New York City Ballet. Her dream comes true when she is 12-years-old and is asked to audition for the Nutcracker and then is picked to dance in the main role of Marie. Charlotte is the first Black girl to dance in this role with the New York City Ballet and as she performs in front of hundreds of people she hopes others will feel welcomed, beautiful, and ready to dance. A true inspirational story.

Nutcracker Night
Written by Mireille Messier
Illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard
Pajama Press, 2019. Picture Book.

"Beep! Beep! go the taxis. Voof! go the velvet curtains". This story of The Nutcracker is told through sounds in an onomatopoeic form that brings the magic of  the theatre to life. The warm illustrations and fun text are delightful. Readers will enjoy watching this little girl experience the excitement of going to the ballet for the first time with her father. A good introduction of the ballet for small children.
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