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The Nutcracker: A Magic Theater Book

Name: The Nutcracker: A Magic Theater Book
Author: Geraldine McCaughrean
ISBN: 9781452106694

by Geraldine McCaughrean, Kristina Swarner (Illustrator), E. t. a. Hoffmann

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Overview

Open this scrumptious holiday edition of The Nutcracker and magically recreate the motion, color, and delight of the classic ballet. Paper engineering wizardry allows characters to dance into life simply by turning the pages—with no tabs for the reader to pull (or break). From the twirling Sugar Plum Fairy and the evil Mouse King to the little girl Marie and her Nutcracker Prince, the cast of beloved characters creates a wondrous "theater" effect as each steps out of intricately die-cut panels. From the first dancing snowflake, beloved author Geraldine McCaughrean's retelling sparkles with enchantment and drama, her words exquisitely matched by Kristina Swarner's luminous, jewel-toned illustrations.

About the Author, Geraldine McCaughrean

Geraldine McCaughrean has written more than 160 well-loved books and has received countless awards, including the ALA's Michael L Printz Award and the Carnegie Medal. She lives in Berkshire, United Kingdom.

Kristina Swarner creates her exquisitely rendered illustrations by working in a mixture of linoleum print, watercolor, and colored pencil. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.

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Editorials

From the Publisher

"This innovative Nutcracker has a magical appeal all its own. " - Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"In this magic-theater version, characters dance into view as the pages turn. Perfect primer for little ones." - People Magazine

Kirkus Reviews

The enduring magic of E.T.A. Hoffman's holiday story is captured in this innovative interpretation, which offers enchanting illustrations and a skillfully retold story. A midnight blue, snowflake-dusted cover features a circular die cut that showcases the character of Marie within, holding her nutcracker toy. As the cover is opened, the figure of Marie slides back and a larger figure of the Nutcracker Prince slides into the opening. Subsequent spreads show other characters such as the Nutcracker and the Mouse King springing into battle or the swan boat floating into the clouds. Rather than pop-up elements, the moving pieces here slide into the central opening like characters in a play moving into view, and this sense of motion and surprise adds greatly to the book's appeal. Masterful paper engineering includes glimpses through the central die cut to the illustrations ahead or behind, providing extra dimension. McCaughrean's lyrical retelling of the story introduces readers to the story that the Tchaikovsky ballet is based on, using Hoffman's names, explaining why the Nutcracker Prince was under a spell, and introducing his father, the king of the Land of Sweets, and their connection to Professor Drosselmeier. This innovative Nutcracker has a magical appeal all its own. (Picture book. 4-8)