The Muttcracker

Biff the Ballerina-dog #2

by Anna Kemp, Sara Ogilvie (illustrator)

A pug pliés into the spotlight in this delightfully funny picture book about a dancing dog and an unforgettable Nutcracker ballet!

Biff is not like other dogs. He’d much rather plié than play fetch. So the second Miss Polly tells the ballet class they’ll be performing The Nutcracker for their Christmas show, Biff starts dreaming of the fluffiest tutu! The twinkliest tiara! He wants to be the sugar plum fairy.

Instead he and his human are…bon bons. Woof.

Can Biff rally by Christmas and be the best bon bon in the box with his dazzling dance partner? Or will his dreams of the sugary spotlight break up the act?

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 7, 2024

Reviews

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet picture book about a girl and her dog who both love ballet.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

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

★★★★★★★★★★
10/10 Livro magnífico