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Books That Take You There: The Nutcracker

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One of the most famous ballets of all time, The Nutcracker, is often a part of holiday traditions. Whether you enjoy the story, the music, or watching the ballet, these books will help take you to the Nutcracker through reading!

Written by Heather Alexander
Illustrated by Amelie Videlo
New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 2021. Informational. 95 pages.

This illustrated guide introduces children to ballet as a whole, then narrows its focus to The Nutcracker. Descriptions of the plot and characters help explain the story of the ballet. Famous dancers, performances, and the choreography of the ballet are also discussed.

By Lauren O'Hara
New York: Thames & Hudson Inc., 2022. Informational. 39 pages.

Shortly before the beginning of a performance of The Nutcracker, Figaro the theatre cat guides readers through London's Royal Opera House. Contributions of costumers, set designers, and technicians are recognized alongside the work of the dancers and musicians. Rich illustrations show the behind the scenes of the various departments and demonstrate the importance of the various crew members to putting together a production of the ballet.

By Mireille Messier and Gabrielle Grimard
Toronto, ON: Pajama Press, 2019. Picture Book.

The Nutcracker is being performed in New York City, and one little girl is eager to take in all the sights and sounds of the performance as she attends with her father. Onomatopoeia will delight readers as they are immersed in the ballet experience.

By Natalie Andrewson
New York: First Second, 2020. Comics. 137 pages.

In this retelling of the story that inspired the ballet, the Christmas gift Marie is most excited about is a nutcracker. When a giant mouse king enters her home and battles against her toys, Marie must make sacrifices to protect her beloved nutcracker.
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