Nutcracker

by Jane B. Mason

It's Christmas Eve and Marie has found a funny-looking nutcracker under the tree. Marie's godfather says this nutcracker once saved a beautiful princess from a horrible spell cast by the wicked Mouse Queen. But Nutcracker is in danger because the Mouse King seeks revenge! Now Nutcracker must face off against the seven-headed King of Mice -- and he needs Marie's help to win the battle!

Genres: Classics, Christmas, Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Childrens

Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

Jane B. Mason grew up in a large family in northern Minnesota. She has written books for kids of all ages under many names and on many subjects, among them ghosts, Jedi, detective duos, princesses, twins, mean girls, and slam books.

Jane has lived in the midwest and on both coasts, but appears to have settled in Oakland, California, and writes almost every day at either a friend's dining room table or a little studio in her back yard, where she has a purple loveseat, a whole lotta books, and an odd selection of trinkets she has unwittingly been collecting since she was a child.

Reviews

[Andy Ospino Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story and the magic of Christmas

[QIU Xinyi Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story begins on Christmas Eve, at the Stahlbaum house. Marie, seven, and her brother, Fritz, eight, sit outside the parlour speculating about what kind of present their Godfather, Drosselmeyer, who is a clockmaker and inventor, has made for them. They are at last allowed in, where they receive many splendid gifts, including Drosselmeyer's, which turns out to be a clockwork castle with mechanical people moving about inside it. However, as they can only do the same thing over and over without variation, the children quickly tire of it. At this point, Marie notices a nutcracker, and asks to whom he belongs. Her father tells her that he belongs to all of them, but that since she is so fond of him she will be his special caretaker. She, Fritz, and their sister, Louise, pass him amongst themselves, cracking nuts, until Fritz tries to crack one that is too big and hard, and the nutcracker's jaw breaks. Marie, upset, takes him away and bandages him with a ribbon from her dress.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent retelling of the E.T.A. Hoffmann Nutcracker tale in the perfect format for middle grade readers. Being much more familiar with the ballet, I found this version entertaining and helpful in understanding the ballet. The writing was spot-on with vivid descriptions and characterization. The writing is rich enough for adults to enjoy while being simple enough for young readers to understand.

[Lensey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this to my little girl. I’ve never read the actual book, but I love the ballet. The book is apparently different! I look forward to reading E.T.A. Hoffman’s version. My little girl, who is 7, loved this version, though, and I hope we can read it again.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated by The Nutcracker, but I've never actually read the story. I bought it to read to my daughter, who is six, but she didn't really have any interest since there are no pictures. So, I finished it on my own and I really enjoyed it.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to The Nutcracker during the holidays. I read thus aloud to my 3rd graders and they really got into the story.

[Joy E · Rating 4 out of 5]

5th grade girl (11yo) review: “It’s just a good book! I like the storyline. Marie stands out as the main character. But it’s a little easy.”

[Sara Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughters love to hear me read this book- we have now read it 3 years in a row at Christmastime!

[Kai Charles(Fiction State Of Mind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Junior edition adaption of the classic story. A quick read.

[Laura Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent "first chapter book" retelling of the classic fairy tale accessible to 2-5th grade readers.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Christmas adventure!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have never read the book and thought it was sweet

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with my daughter, not knowing anything about the story (just that there’s a ballet).

What a strange story! But my 7 year old was delighted when the story got weird and enjoyed the book a lot. She is excited to see the movie.