The Nutcracker Ballet

by Melissa Hayden

A keepsake book for children and their parents celebrates the hundredth anniversary of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker with magical illustrations and a retelling of the story by a famed ballerina.

Genres: Childrens, Christmas, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1992

Reviews

[Abigail Weh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite children’s books. When I was in ballet I was obsessed with the Nutcracker Ballet, and had a couple of books about it. But this was my favorite version of the story by far. It was my first book about the ballet, for one, and secondly Stephen T. Johnson’s illustrations captured my attention entirely as a child.

Now, rereading it as an adult it fills me with such nostalgia! It’s well written, beautifully illustrated... and I will be keeping this version around for my future offspring. I was honestly surprised more people don’t seem to have heard of this version! But maybe it was a more local book to my area. Anyway, for a short children’s book it’s a worthy read, and I absolutely adored it as a kid!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have seen the Nutcracker Ballet on stage a number of times, however, I'm not sure I fully understood the symbolism within the story until I read this simple retelling to my children. It is 2020 and because of Covid, we will not be continuing our Christmas tradition of live theater this season. I'm happy that I have found books and videos to build the foundation of art appreciation while we can't experience it in person.