The Muttcracker: a Christmas cracker from the creators of Dogs Don't Do Ballet

Biff the Ballerina-dog #2

by Anna Kemp, Sara Ogilvie (Illustrator)

Festive fun from the team that brought you beloved bestseller Dogs Don't Do Ballet!

My dog is not like other dogs.
My dog is a ballerina who dreams of being the Sugar Plum Fairy.
 
So when Miss Polly announces the parts in our Christmas show, The Nutcracker, will my dog’s dream come true? Or will we both just be… bonbons?
 
An irresistible story about friendship, positivity and the joy of being the very best bonbon in the box! Perfect for learning about how to be positive in the face of disappointment Warm and funny festive feel-good story based around putting on the popular ballet The Nutcracker Features the stars of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize-shortlisted Dogs Don’t Do Ballet From the illustrator of The Detective DogOther books by Anna Kemp & Sara

Dogs Don't Do Ballet
Rhinos Don't Eat Pancakes
The Worst Princess
Sir Lilypad
Dave the Lonely Monster

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Childrens, Dogs, Animals

32 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2024

Reviews

[Kirsten Paoline König · Rating 4 out of 5]

Niet zo eindeloos leuk als 'Honden doen niet aan ballet', maar wel bijna. Perfect voor alle liefhebbers van 'Neushoorns eten geen pannenkoeken'.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The little girl who narrates the book describes her dog, Biff's love of ballet. At ballet class, the instructor announces that they will be performing The Nutcracker and Biff wants to be the Sugar Plum Fairy. When Biff and his girl are assigned to do the Dance of the Bonbons, Biff is thoroughly disappointed. At first he refuses to participate in rehearsals, until he sees his girl crying in frustration after numerous failed attempts. After much practice, the duo arrives at the theater ready to perform only to find the instructor needs a substitute Sugar Plum Fairy. Will Biff get to live his dream or will he stick with the dance and partner he's rehearsed with all week? This sweet story will win over the hearts of many a young reader who has faced major disappointments as well as young dog lovers. Realistic the book is not (who prepares for a ballet performance in a week?!) but it has a cute message and adorable illustrations. Young readers who love to dance will find Biff and his girl worthy heroes to cheer for as they prance across the stage in their costumes.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

We enjoyed the story as we love dancing in this house and dogs!! It was a fun take on the Nutcracker with a good hidden message about trying your best and dealing with disappointment. The dance of the bon bons sounded cute and I would have wanted to be the sugar plum fairy too! But it's a great example of trying new things and how to make the best out of a situation. The illustrations are fun and it feels very Christmassy!

[Healthy Dose of Self-Destruction · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★★★★★★
10/10 Magnífico

[Karol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beauty of sharing a life growing moment between a girl and her dog. Includes ballet, disappointment, unconditional support, finding joy and acceptance.

[Adrianne Rosal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved it. Any twist of a nutcracker book I am there!!!!

[Kai Charles(Fiction State Of Mind) · Rating 5 out of 5]

super cute way to close out my Christmas Children’s book reading

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful little Christmas story that everyone can relate to, after all, who among us hasn't been disappointed not to be the star of the show at least once? (As someone who always got the rubbish parts in school productions - except for the one time I, unlike Biff in this book, did get cast as a Sugarplum fairy when we did 'T'was the Night Before Christmas' 😄 - I particularly related to this.)
But, like how Christmas is a time for kindness and cheer, sometimes you just have to give whatever it is your best, whether you're a sugar plum fairy or a bon bon.