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If You Like... the Nutcracker

By Suzanne

Attending a performance of The Nutcracker ballet is a favorite holiday tradition for many families. Ballet West performs it every year at the Capital Theater in Salt Lake City. It is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffman that was adapted for the ballet by Alexandre Dumas.  Tchaikovsky composed the music, and it was first performed in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1892. The following five stories collectively celebrate the joy of dance, the anticipation of performance, and the delight of participating in a beloved holiday tradition. 

Written by John Robert Allman
Illustrated by Julianna Swaney
New York : Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2022. Picture book

The Night Before The Nutcracker offers a playful, behind-the-scenes look at how dancers, musicians, and stage crews prepare for opening night of the beloved holiday ballet. Written in a lively, rhyming style inspired by ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, the book captures the excitement, nerves, and teamwork that bring The Nutcracker to life. Julianna Swaney’s sweet illustrations highlight the beauty of costumes, sets, and rehearsal moments. Together, the text and art create a charming celebration of performance, anticipation, and the magic of theater.


Written by Charlotte Nebres
Illustrated by Alea Marley
New York : Random House, 2021. Picture book

Charlotte and the Nutcracker follows a young ballerina named Charlotte as she prepares for her debut in The Nutcracker. It is inspired by Charlotte Nebres’s real-life experience as the first Black dancer to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production. The story also highlights her family's holiday traditions from the Philippines and Trinidad. Warm, expressive illustrations by Alea Marley bring Charlotte’s world to life, blending rehearsal scenes with festive family moments. The book celebrates heritage, determination, and the magic that unfolds when a child sees her dreams reflected onstage.


By Anna Kemp
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025. Picture book

The Muttcracker is a lighthearted picture book by Anna Kemp about a ballet-loving pug named Biff. Instead of typical doggy fun, Biff dreams of performing a star role in a festive dance recital. When he ends up in a smaller part than he hoped for, he initially feels let down. But, he and his partner make the most of it. The book uses humor and warmth to highlight perseverance, teamwork, and finding happiness during the holiday season.


Ballet Kids
By Holly Sterling
Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2022. Picture book

Ballet Kids by Holly Sterling is a gentle, welcoming story that celebrates the fun of learning to dance. Thomas and his classmates spend a snowy morning practicing their ballet moves with their instructor, Mr. Elliot. When it’s time to prepare for their winter show, the children pick out costumes for a Nutcracker performance, and Thomas confidently chooses a bright, glittery tutu. Even though performing makes him a bit anxious, support from others helps him feel proud, and the group ends their day with joy and excitement.


Jan Brett's The Nutcracker
By Jan Brett
New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2021. Picture book

This book is a beautifully illustrated retelling of The Nutcracker set in wintry 19th-century Russia. It is told from the perspective of Marie (Clara) and her brother Fritz. When they receive a magical nutcracker from their uncle, Marie senses something special. Her imagination carries her into a battle to help the Nutcracker against the Mouse King, and then journeys with him to a sparkling Land of Snow. Brett’s signature decorative borders teem with charming Russian animals — bears, foxes, reindeer, and more — many of whom play instruments, echoing Tchaikovsky’s ballet. The book is a whimsical, music-inspired visualization of Hoffmann’s classic tale.
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