The Nutcracker and the Mouse-King
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
First published in German in 1816, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse-King” is the children’s fairy tale by Prussian composer and romantic author E. T. A. Hoffman that inspired Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. Popularized by a French retelling by Alexandre Dumas in 1844 and immortalized in 1892 in the ballet that has become a part of the Christmas season tradition, Hoffman’s original tale is a magical story of imagination and love. It begins on Christmas Eve as the young Marie and her brother Fritz receive their Christmas gifts, including a beautiful nutcracker that immediately catches Marie’s interest. She begins to have fantastical dreams of her brave nutcracker leading all of her dolls in battle against the cruel and greedy Mouse-King and his army of mice. Her parents do not believe her dreams are real, but Marie is certain that the nutcracker is indeed her magical hero. She continues to dream of dramatic battles, the nutcracker’s eventual victory over the wicked Mouse-King, and a trip to the beautiful Land of Toys. Hoffman’s fairy tale of magic and devotion continues to captivate audiences and inspire adaptations around the world.
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.
