Synopses & Reviews
THE NUTCRACKER IS A Christmas tradition, and for most children it is their introduction to ballet. Here, in one beautifully illustrated book, is the story of the ballet and a 78-minute CD of Tchaikovsky’s music performed by the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Stephanie Spinner has written a brief, lyrical text about the little girl, Maria, and her Christmas gift of a wooden nutcracker doll who is transformed into a young prince. Together they fly to the Land of Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy entertains them with lively and exotic dances from around the world. Peter Malone's exquisite illustrations capture all the magic of the beloved Christmastime ballet.
Synopsis
Christmas just isn't Christmas without The Nutcracker This beautiful book, which includes a fully orchestrated CD of the score, invites children to dance, prance, and relive the ballet long after the tree comes down.
Peter Malone's exquisite illustrations capture all the magic of The Nutcracker's most memorable scenes: the Christmas Eve party, Godfather Drosselmeyer's spellbinding visit, and the ferocious battle between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker. Marie's journey to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes her with exuberant dancers from around the globe--and toothsome desserts--springs to life as never before.
Stephanie Spinner's lyrical text, Peter Malone's jewel-like artwork, and a sparkling performance of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's unforgettable music make this a gift to inspire even the very youngest dancer.
Synopsis
The story of Tchaikovsky's classic holiday ballet is retold in this exquisitely illustrated volume, featuring a brief, lyrical text and a 78-minute audio CD of selections from the ballet performed by the Utah Symphony Orchestra.
About the Author
Stephanie Spinner is the author of many highly praised childrens books ranging from
Its a Miracle! A Hanukkah Storybook (Schwartz/Athenaeum) and the Step-Up Classic
Dracula to the middle-grade novel
Aliens for Breakfast (with John Etra), and
Quiver, Quicksilver, and
Damosel, young adult retellings of myths. She lives in Sherman, Connecticut.
Peter Malone illustrated the Knopf edition of Peter and the Wolf, also with a CD and in the same format as The Nutcracker. His illustrations have appeared in The New Yorker and on British Royal Mail stamps. He lives in Oxford, England.