The Nutcracker

by Michael Hague (Adapter)

Adventure, fantasy, romance...a world full of toys and sweets...and, of course, Christmas—these are the hallmarks of this timeless story, brought theatrically to life by one of America's favorite illustrators. It is the unforgettable dream of a peculiar Christmas gift—a nutcracker that leads a young girl into a magical realm, where she boldly helps save a boy living under an evil curse. This elegant retelling combines E. T. A. Hoffman's original version with beloved elements of the ballet in a readable picture book format. Michael Hague, celebrated for his lavish interpretations of classics, now makes this tale accessible to a new generation. From the sweeping drama of the battle scene to the magnificent illusions of rich, draped fabrics, every detail will be cherished.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Fantasy, Classics, Fairy Tales

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Michael Hague is renowned as the illustrator of many children's classics, including editions of The Wizard Of Oz, Peter Pan, The Hobbit, and The Velveteen Rabbit. He also illustrated The Book of Ghosts, Where Fairies Dance, The Book of Wizards, and The Book of Fairy Poetry as well as wrote and illustrated the graphic novel in The Small. Michael lives with his wife, Kathleen, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Reviews

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a holiday tradition for our family. It was fun to read when our son was young and it is still entertaining and fun to read with him as a teenager.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this book ties the original German version of The Nutcracker together with Tchaikovsky's ballet version (which was derived from the French version of The Nutcracker). I took my five and eight year old to see the ballet this holiday season, so this was a good read beforehand and afterwards. I was nervous that the pictures were a little creepy for them, but so far no nightmares!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story merges the original German 1816version of The Nutcracker by E Hoffmann together with 1891 Tchaikovsky's ballet version (which was derived from the French 1844 version of The Nutcracker by Alexandre Dumas).
I've always loved the ballet and the music. This small short book with it's colourful illustrations is a lovely way to absorb the story for anyone young at heart. Perfect for a small Christmas read.

[Carina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm 4 and just heard about the Nutcracker for the first time this year. I was curious about it and kept asking my mom questions about it. Even though she's seen the ballet several times, she couldn't remember all the details, so we got this book from the library. This book covered the whole story and provided several interesting details. While it was a bit long (had too many words compared to the number of pictures) and didn't have the type of illustrations I typically gravitate towards (cute), I was still glad we checked this one out.

[Brittany · Rating 1 out of 5]

Without any special attachment to The Nutcracker, I didn’t go into this book with any special expectations. But still – this was not a great book. It’s not Hague’s best art, though I usually like his illustrations a lot. And the story was weird and creepy, though maybe it just is a weird and creepy story. Sad to say, not a new Christmas favorite.

[Adrianne Rosal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved this version of The Nutcracker!!! My daughter found this little treasure for a dollar and so worth it!!!

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too scary for 2.5 yo.

[Nancy Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A condensed version of the original story and the ballet with stunning illustrations. A great read aloud that will help understand the story before attending the ballet.

[Callie Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love how the author tied the original story in with elements from the ballet. This is how I want my children to know the story. The illustrations are divine as well.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those long versions that made me so thankful for Susan Jeffers' version of the story. The kids loved it, and thankfully we had it checked out when my parents were visiting, so my father valiantly read it over and over again in my stead. I think the full tale is quite interesting, but once a week is plenty for me to read something this long aloud...the pictures are great, too, and my five-year-old was quite satisfied with the portrait of the seven-headed Rat King.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the ballet this winter and didn't know much about the story line. This book is great because it incorporated the original aspects of the story and some of the ballet line. I recommend reading this book before going to the ballet. It would make a great gift for Christmas. Buy the book and put tickets in the back.

[carrietracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is way too long for use as a bedtime story. It mixes elements of the original story with the more familiar ballet. Full review on my blog here

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, festive way to prepare for a visit to the Christmas ballet. Nicely adorned pages and moody feeling in characters' faces.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little creepy at times but beautifully illustrated.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

a story of love

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved Michael Hague's illustrations. I have always loved the Nutcracker Ballet and the Nutcracker Suite. The book has lovely illustrations.