What do you think?
Rate this book
The Nutcracker
New York Times bestselling artist and Caldecott Honor winner Susan Jeffers has created a Nutcracker as only she can—with lavish illustrations, magnificent detail, and enchanting holiday scenes on every page. This is The Nutcracker as you’ve never seen it before!
Join Marie, Fritz, and the intriguing Nutcracker himself on a magical Christmas Eve adventure. Behold the frightful Mouse King, the elegant Sugar Plum fairies, and the entire Land of Sweets in this dazzling, gorgeously illustrated holiday classic. With spare text based on the story in the ballet, this book offers a front-row seat to the enthralling tale that is a perennial favorite of adults and children alike.
And for Susan Jeffers fans looking for extra content, an author’s note is included at the end of the book, in which she explains what inspired her to turn this holiday tradition into a show-stopping picture book.
Join Marie, Fritz, and the intriguing Nutcracker himself on a magical Christmas Eve adventure. Behold the frightful Mouse King, the elegant Sugar Plum fairies, and the entire Land of Sweets in this dazzling, gorgeously illustrated holiday classic. With spare text based on the story in the ballet, this book offers a front-row seat to the enthralling tale that is a perennial favorite of adults and children alike.
And for Susan Jeffers fans looking for extra content, an author’s note is included at the end of the book, in which she explains what inspired her to turn this holiday tradition into a show-stopping picture book.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2007
24 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
About the author
Susan Jeffers
119 books64 followersThere is more than one author with this name.
Biography:
Graduate of Pratt Institute 1964
Worked in the publishing field for three years
Began freelance career in 1968
Published first children's book in 1970
Awards:
Caldecott Honor
Golden Apple Biennial Bratislava
The ABBY American Booksellers Best Book award
Society of Illustrators Awards of Merit
Golden Kite Society of Children's Books Author Illustrators
Biography:
Graduate of Pratt Institute 1964
Worked in the publishing field for three years
Began freelance career in 1968
Published first children's book in 1970
Awards:
Caldecott Honor
Golden Apple Biennial Bratislava
The ABBY American Booksellers Best Book award
Society of Illustrators Awards of Merit
Golden Kite Society of Children's Books Author Illustrators
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
December 12, 2008
I'm so glad Chandra brought this lovely version of "The Nutcracker" to my attention. It is based on the ballet version of The Nutcracker and I loved seeing all those elements (right down to Marie throwing her ballet slipper at the Mouse King!) and the really lovely Land of Sweets populated with all manner of ballerina-versions of candy and flowers and snowflakes! :-) Dear to my heart since once, years ago, I was Marie in "The Nutcracker."
May 7, 2025
This Nutcracker tale left me feeling very… mixed.
On the one hand, the illustrations were simply wonderful, and the author did a good job of summarizing the story for little ones to enjoy. I also appreciated that the author chose to incorporate ballet into the storyline. This may seem inconsequential, but since the ballet is so well-known, beloved (and often a child’s first introduction to the story), it was a nice touch.
On the other hand, in the process of summarizing the story for young children, the author left out about half the plot. Whether she thought these parts were unnecessary to the understanding of the story, but to me the story felt a little incomplete.
With it’s gentle illustrations and simplistic, to the point storyline, I would recommend this book to children who are just becoming familiar with the Nutcracker. This is the perfect gateway book for them, and a wonderful addition to them seeing either the ballet of the film version. Despite the story having the potential to be incomplete for older readers, this book is sure to delight those who love the story, the ballet, or both.
On the one hand, the illustrations were simply wonderful, and the author did a good job of summarizing the story for little ones to enjoy. I also appreciated that the author chose to incorporate ballet into the storyline. This may seem inconsequential, but since the ballet is so well-known, beloved (and often a child’s first introduction to the story), it was a nice touch.
On the other hand, in the process of summarizing the story for young children, the author left out about half the plot. Whether she thought these parts were unnecessary to the understanding of the story, but to me the story felt a little incomplete.
With it’s gentle illustrations and simplistic, to the point storyline, I would recommend this book to children who are just becoming familiar with the Nutcracker. This is the perfect gateway book for them, and a wonderful addition to them seeing either the ballet of the film version. Despite the story having the potential to be incomplete for older readers, this book is sure to delight those who love the story, the ballet, or both.
November 28, 2022
A classic with beautiful illustrations
Brings me back to my childhood
A great read for the season ❄️❄️
Brings me back to my childhood
A great read for the season ❄️❄️
December 11, 2018
Celebrated children's author and artist Susan Jeffers turns her attention to the ballet The Nutcracker in this lovely holiday picture-book. Pairing a simple text with beautiful artwork (created in watercolor, I believe), she spins the magical tale of Marie, who is given a wooden Nutcracker by her godfather for Christmas. All of the major incidents of the ballet - the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the visit to the Land of Sweets, the national dances performed there - follow, as Marie's wonderful dream (or is it?) unfolds. The book concludes with the information that the Prince/Nutcracker eventually returns to marry Marie, when she is grown...
Jeffers' The Nutcracker is the sixth picture-book retelling of this tale that I have read, following upon versions presented by Alison Jay, Niroot Puttapipat, Shobhna Patel, Grace Maccarone, and Renate Raecke. I've also read a number of picture-books - Tallulah's Nutcracker , Ella Bella Ballerina and The Nutcracker , Zombelina Dances The Nutcracker - depicting young ballerinas either performing this ballet or learning about it. Suffice it to say, this is a popular topic for picture-books, although apparently in 2007, when Jeffers was considering working on this version, there was far less available. Her presentation is just lovely, and I particularly appreciated the spreads which contained multiple panels, showing various different scenes at once. The paintings here are rich, and quite appealing, capturing the charm of the story, and the detailed costumes and backdrops of each scene. I don't know that this is my absolute favorite, of the retellings I have read - that is probably the Puttapipat version - but it is quite winsome. Recommended to Jeffers' fans, and to anyone looking for excellent picture-books devoted to the story of The Nutcracker ballet.
Jeffers' The Nutcracker is the sixth picture-book retelling of this tale that I have read, following upon versions presented by Alison Jay, Niroot Puttapipat, Shobhna Patel, Grace Maccarone, and Renate Raecke. I've also read a number of picture-books - Tallulah's Nutcracker , Ella Bella Ballerina and The Nutcracker , Zombelina Dances The Nutcracker - depicting young ballerinas either performing this ballet or learning about it. Suffice it to say, this is a popular topic for picture-books, although apparently in 2007, when Jeffers was considering working on this version, there was far less available. Her presentation is just lovely, and I particularly appreciated the spreads which contained multiple panels, showing various different scenes at once. The paintings here are rich, and quite appealing, capturing the charm of the story, and the detailed costumes and backdrops of each scene. I don't know that this is my absolute favorite, of the retellings I have read - that is probably the Puttapipat version - but it is quite winsome. Recommended to Jeffers' fans, and to anyone looking for excellent picture-books devoted to the story of The Nutcracker ballet.
June 2, 2025
This rating is for the abridged edition retold and illustrated by Susan Jeffers.
April 29, 2018
The story was very simple, sweet and short for a quick read about the magical seasonal ballet that we all adore. The pictures are nice watercolor of some of the nicest dances from the ballet.
December 22, 2019
This is my second year reading this book to upper elementary kids the week before Christmas break. I love it! It's quick read aloud - 5 to 7 minutes - but does an excellent job retelling the story of the Nutcracker and tying it to the ballet. Afterward I show clips from the ballet and most of the kiddos are interested and engaged seeing the dancers and understanding where that scene falls in the story. Even though The Nutcracker is a Christmas story, by focusing on the fairy tale elements and the ballet dances, I can include kids who for religious or other reasons can't participate in Christmas celebrations and activities.
November 13, 2011
Copyright: 2007
Genre: Picture Book
This was a great adaption of "The Nutcracker" story. In the author's note in the back, Jeffers wrote that one of her purposes for writing this book was to create a less lengthy version of the story that could easily be read to a child. I think that Jeffers met this goal really well while staying true to the story. I love the length because it makes it possible for me to introduce "The Nutcracker" to my music students and complete a lesson within one or two 30 minute classes. The illustrations are beautiful as well and any students who goes to see the ballet would be able to make connections to the story.
Genre: Picture Book
This was a great adaption of "The Nutcracker" story. In the author's note in the back, Jeffers wrote that one of her purposes for writing this book was to create a less lengthy version of the story that could easily be read to a child. I think that Jeffers met this goal really well while staying true to the story. I love the length because it makes it possible for me to introduce "The Nutcracker" to my music students and complete a lesson within one or two 30 minute classes. The illustrations are beautiful as well and any students who goes to see the ballet would be able to make connections to the story.
November 11, 2016
This is a beautifully illustrated version of The Nutcracker. The narrative is short enough to keep the attention of young children and the illustrations have a lot of detail and action.
I discovered this book for sale at a souvenir stand where our girls and I had just seen a performance of the Nutcracker, and so I browsed through the book while our girls ooh'd and ahh'd at the Nutcrackers, ballerina figurines, tiaras, and such.
It's a great book to read to children so they can understand the story, especially before taking them to see the ballet.
I discovered this book for sale at a souvenir stand where our girls and I had just seen a performance of the Nutcracker, and so I browsed through the book while our girls ooh'd and ahh'd at the Nutcrackers, ballerina figurines, tiaras, and such.
It's a great book to read to children so they can understand the story, especially before taking them to see the ballet.
November 20, 2007
Great adaptation of The Nutcracker. Finally a simplified version that children will understand and enjoy. Beautiful illustration as usual for Jeffers. this will be a seasonal favorite.
December 17, 2019
The Nutcracker is my most favourite story I’ve ever read and this edition – all while being aimed for young children – is beautiful.
I would have adored this growing up and I am promising myself to keep it safe so that one day, maybe my own future kids will enjoy it.
I would have adored this growing up and I am promising myself to keep it safe so that one day, maybe my own future kids will enjoy it.
December 23, 2019
Loved the illustrations most of all.
August 31, 2020
This is a beautifully illustrated rendition of the classic Nutcracker story.
January 2, 2024
You know, it was the nutcracker.
November 20, 2019
I loved the Nutcracker growing up where I would go to the productions with my mom. Plus my best friend, Jessica has danced in the Vancouver Ballet Theater's production. I loved the illustrations because they remind me of the backdrop of the stage at the productions I would go to. I would use this as a read aloud at Christmastime.
September 28, 2013
The main character, Marie, gets three toys from her uncle for Christmas, one of those toys is a wooden nutcracker. However, her brother, Fritz, is jealous and looks like he is about to hurt Marie. When he drops the Nutcracker to the floor and breaks its head, Marie doesn’t retaliate, but drops to the floor and cradles her broken toy as if it were a baby. The adults are concerned. Marie sleeps with her toy under the Christmas tree. She won’t let go of the Nutcracker. The uncle puts a spell and the Nutcracker comes to life. He fights the evil Mouse King and his soldiers. Marie comes to the Nutcracker’s rescue. The rich watercolor artwork is fabulous. Each illustration depicts the settings, the people, and action in detail, which makes the story, written in a simplistic form, come alive. I love the way the illustrations shifts from page to page along with the story- the richly colored large drawing room with the Christmas tree transforms into a deeper, darker colors of the terrifying battleground, the transitional otherworldly illustrations depicting the dancing fairy snowflakes, followed by the softer tone for the magical and bright Land of Sweets and its dancers. When Marie wakes up with her Nutcracker, she tells him that she would love him even if her brother thinks he is ugly. Marie’s non-vindictive nature (she leaves her brother alone) and her enduring love and care for the Nutcracker, regardless of his looks and condition (a broken head), make us empathize with her. The pretty drawings of Marie’s expressive eyes and gold curls, contrasts well with the small uncombed, grey- haired nutcracker.
September 20, 2015
Set in the Victorian times, this version of the Nutcracker is a beautiful, simple introduction to the story and the ballet. Jeffer's illustrations bring alive a sense of wonder and enchantment. The soft hues and intricate details will draw young children into the story. She captures the excitement and emotional tenor of the story in a way that captivates audiences. The simple text clearly explains the gift of the Nutcracker at the Christmas party, the Nutcracker's fight with the Mouse King, and Marie's magical journey with the prince. With just a few lines on each page, this is a perfect introduction for young children.
Susan Jeffers wrote about creating the artwork for this story: "What I love is the combination of fantasy and reality, taking the dancers and making them into snow and lifting them into the air. In the actual ballet the music and the beauty of the dance transport the audience to dreamland. I wanted the book to have the same feeling."
Jeffers captures the grace and magic of the ballet, truly transporting us into this fantasy world.
Susan Jeffers wrote about creating the artwork for this story: "What I love is the combination of fantasy and reality, taking the dancers and making them into snow and lifting them into the air. In the actual ballet the music and the beauty of the dance transport the audience to dreamland. I wanted the book to have the same feeling."
Jeffers captures the grace and magic of the ballet, truly transporting us into this fantasy world.
November 26, 2015
First sentence: It was Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaums' house. Marie and her little brother, Fritz, were listening at the ballroom door, waiting for the party to begin.
Premise/plot: An age-appropriate retelling of the Nutcracker ballet. In the author's note, Jeffers mentions that while there are plenty of Nutcracker adaptations and retellings, they tend to be very text-heavy. Her book seeks to tell the familiar story of the ballet in a way that you could actually share it with young children.
My thoughts: I love the Nutcracker. I do. This retelling worked very well for me. I liked the text very much. It was just the right amount of text, in my opinion. It seemed only right, to me at least, that so much is conveyed visually through the illustrations. The illustrations take center-stage. Now I do love the text, but I do think one could flip through the illustrations and get the main idea of the story.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10
Premise/plot: An age-appropriate retelling of the Nutcracker ballet. In the author's note, Jeffers mentions that while there are plenty of Nutcracker adaptations and retellings, they tend to be very text-heavy. Her book seeks to tell the familiar story of the ballet in a way that you could actually share it with young children.
My thoughts: I love the Nutcracker. I do. This retelling worked very well for me. I liked the text very much. It was just the right amount of text, in my opinion. It seemed only right, to me at least, that so much is conveyed visually through the illustrations. The illustrations take center-stage. Now I do love the text, but I do think one could flip through the illustrations and get the main idea of the story.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10
December 22, 2009
Gorgeous illustrations!
November 25, 2015
Beautiful, beautiful book! I want to read it over and over just to gaze at the illustrations.
March 2, 2021
One of the books I read with my son multiple times every Christmas season. The pictures are gorgeous, and it's a great retelling of the beloved story.
October 1, 2024
Copyright date: 2007
Star rating: 3
Award: N/A
Genre: children's lit
Summary w/ themes: This book tells the condensed story of the nutcracker ballet.
Use for future classroom: This would be a fun book to read around winter time or before taking a field trip to see the nutcracker.
Thoughts of book: As someone that knows the story of the nutcracker fairly well, this book was lacking some of the aspects that happen throughout the ballet. My mentor teacher is taking the students to see the ballet in the winter time, so I thought that this might be a good introduction to talk about the ballet and make sure that the students understand the storyline.
Star rating: 3
Award: N/A
Genre: children's lit
Summary w/ themes: This book tells the condensed story of the nutcracker ballet.
Use for future classroom: This would be a fun book to read around winter time or before taking a field trip to see the nutcracker.
Thoughts of book: As someone that knows the story of the nutcracker fairly well, this book was lacking some of the aspects that happen throughout the ballet. My mentor teacher is taking the students to see the ballet in the winter time, so I thought that this might be a good introduction to talk about the ballet and make sure that the students understand the storyline.
December 19, 2018
What a beautifully illustrated tale of fantasy! This is told and illustrated in a very classic style, with gorgeous watercolor illustrations throughout. The ending is a little different from what I remember at the ballet version, but very satisfying nonetheless. I think children will enjoy reading it, especially if they are going to see the new Nutcracker movie this season. It would make a nice Christmas gift, as well. Highly recommended for Grades 2-5. It could be read aloud to younger children, too.
April 15, 2021
I could look at those pictures all day long! I highly recommend listening to the Ballett when reading it.
It's a little sad the story was that short, even if it's for little children, I think details should not be left out. You don't "burden" them with details. By talking it out their minds get hold of handling details in a story. I really think this should be read out loud to kids and later talk about it. And listen it the music!
This book is perfect to capture them cause the art is dreamy beyond words!
It's a little sad the story was that short, even if it's for little children, I think details should not be left out. You don't "burden" them with details. By talking it out their minds get hold of handling details in a story. I really think this should be read out loud to kids and later talk about it. And listen it the music!
This book is perfect to capture them cause the art is dreamy beyond words!
February 6, 2024
This one claims Harlequin and Columbine were gifted specifically for Marie and explained that Fritz broke the nutcracker out of jealousy she received more presents than him. Also, Marie and the nutcracker prince get married years later in this book.
I like how the first page shows in comic book style not just Marie and Fritz listening at the door, but everything else going on about the house simultaneously. And how, on the next page, the women's hair is lifted up in the air while they're dancing to accentuate the movement.
I appreciate the succinct text for a quick read.
I like how the first page shows in comic book style not just Marie and Fritz listening at the door, but everything else going on about the house simultaneously. And how, on the next page, the women's hair is lifted up in the air while they're dancing to accentuate the movement.
I appreciate the succinct text for a quick read.
January 2, 2019
This is the best book to read before seeing the Nutcracker ballet! There are lots of versions of the Nutcracker, but the original by Hoffman isn’t great for young children and most versions don’t relate very well to the ballet. This book is really a retelling of the ballet more than the Hoffman story, and it’s wonderful! It’s well written and the illustrations are beautiful. My 5-year-old loves it, as she did last year!
October 26, 2020
A version of the classic Christmas story of a young girl who receives a nutcracker as a gift on Christmas Eve, adapted for younger readers and with illustrations by Susan Jeffers. In the author's note, she mentions that she wrote this version in hopes that it could be shared with children before they see the ballet and that she wanted the illustrations to reflect that the story is also a ballet and I think this comes through. Overall, a nice version of the classic.
Read
December 3, 2022Great cozy illustrations. The pacing is a little strange in my opinion. There was no tension in the mouse king battle. Of course, this is a children’s book and I’m not a child so maybe if I were a kid it would feel exciting. I don’t know. This is insanely short and I feel a little guilty that this book completed my reading challenge, so I think might go read the E.T.A Hoffman version to atone. Then I’m gonna go see the ballet 🩰✨
May 20, 2023
LOVE LOVE LOVE this version! I am a collector of Nutcracker books as it's my favorite ballet, and this retelling captures all the childlike wonder of Christmastime. I like when there is an element of first love for Clara, I think it's sweet that Clara and the Prince fall in love and marry in the epilogue. The pictures are lovely, and feel energetic and almost pop off the page like real dancing! Susan Jeffers clearly appreciates the ballet aspect of the tale, which I just love!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2023
I know it‘s not Christmas, but i always wanted to know the story behind the famous Christmas ballet show. So why not and read it, if it’s already on your shelf?!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
So I really enjoyed this little story of the Nutcracker and I‘m probably going to read this again, if the Christmas season is finally here🤭. I really really enjoyed the pictures in the books, especially when they met the other characters.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
So I really enjoyed this little story of the Nutcracker and I‘m probably going to read this again, if the Christmas season is finally here🤭. I really really enjoyed the pictures in the books, especially when they met the other characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews