The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Illustrated)
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Publisher Description
"The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" is a Christmas Classic written in 1816, by E. T. A. Hoffmann on which the famous ballet "The Nutcracker" is based. In the story young Marie Stahlbaum's favorite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker, comes alive and, after defeating the evil Mouse King in battle, whisks her away to a magical kingdom populated by dolls. The story begins on Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum house. Marie, seven, and her brother, Fritz, eight, sit outside the parlor 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…
E. T. A. Hoffmann (1776-1822) was a German Romantic author of fantasy and horror, a jurist, composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Discerning use of full-page spreads and decorative border art allays Maysen's substantial text in this glowing interpretation. De Marcken's detail-rich watercolors are marked by a vibrant palette (the Nutcracker wears purple and gold, Marie a pink sash-tied dress), while the attention paid to the mechanisms of toys and to dolls' facial expressions further emphasizes the fantastical nature of the story. This is a loyal and energetic version, best for read-aloud in multiple sittings, given the length of the text. Ages 4 8.
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