Eyewitness Classics present great works of literature in an accessible format while teaching readers about the context of the story. This dynamic retelling of The Nutcracker, in language appropriate for children age 7 and older, is highlighted by beautiful illustrations created especially for this book. Fascinating information on places, settings, and customs makes this wonderful story come even more vibrantly alive.
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If you're looking for a beautiful volume of The Nutcracker, this Eyewitness Classic is a fine choice. But be warned: it's not the simplified version of the Tchaikovsky ballet, but the tale of magical transformation as originally written by Ernst Hoffmann in 1816. This classic story is much more elaborate, including some delightful new adventures most of us are not familiar with.
Lushly illustrated in an old-fashioned style, this story is set in 19th-century Nuremberg, Germany, a town famous for its beautiful toys. It's Christmas Eve in the Stahlbaum family home, and Marie and her brother Fritz can barely contain their excitement. Their strange old godfather, Herr Drosselmeier, presents the family with the funny, wooden Nutcracker that Marie immediately falls in love with. After the Nutcracker breaks and Marie falls into a fitful sleep, she dreams of a fight between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. When she awakes, she is not sure if her vision was a dream or real. But in this edition, the story does not end there. Herr Drosselmeier reappears to introduce more exciting, scary tales of kingdoms and princesses, and Marie is drawn deeper and deeper into a dreamlike world.
This richly annotated DK edition helps young readers understand some of the more esoteric details of this very old story. Historical facts and photographs help bring The Nutcracker to life, illuminating war-torn Prussia during the time of Napoleon. At the end of the book are fascinating facts about both the origin of The Nutcracker ballet and Hoffmann's life and times. This wonderful combination of history and fantasy makes this treasured holiday story genuinely magical. (Ages 9 to 12) --Marianne Painter
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Introduction for Children to this Classic,
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This review is from: DK Classics: The Nutcracker (Hardcover)
My daughter and I have been reading (and re-reading!) the DK Classics (of which "The Nutcracker" is a part of) for several years, since she was 5. These books are very colorful, with lots of illustrations and photos of genuine artifacts, maps, and people from the era in which the story is set. Side panel text gives background information about the author, pictures and story. These "additions" (which do not detract from, but only enhance the story) help the young reader (and the adult too!) put the story into context. It is like getting both a classic and a pictorial history book rolled into one! The text is easy to read. My daughter is now 9, and reading the books on her own. Not only has she developed an appreciation for classic literature, but for history as well. These are great books for parents to read with their children. I highly recommend them!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Wonderful,
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This review is from: DK Classics: The Nutcracker (Hardcover)
Marie is a little girl who is given a Nutcracker for Christmas. A present from her dear Uncle Drosselmeier. She soon learns that Nutcracker is actually a boy, who will be turned back into a Prince if someone loves him for who he is, and not what he looks like. With Marie's help this will happen.Not only does this book have the story of The Nutcracker, it also has information about Christmas in Germany, and the ballet. This book is perfect for everyone. Young or old. If you loved the ballet you will love this book. If you're looking for a great present, especially at Christmas, you will love this book. I recommend this book to everyone.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ballet Details,
This review is from: DK Classics: The Nutcracker (Hardcover)
When I first saw this ballet, I had no idea as to the background or even what the story was really about. While it is now my favorite ballet, I wish I had purchased a book like this before attending.
There is a certain richness in knowing the details behind the story. Here you will find photography, illustrations and historical information. There is information about Anna Pavlova who danced the role of Clara/Marie in a 1912 production at the Palace Theatre in London. You will also be reading a lively retelling of the classic fantasy tale by David Clement-Davies. James Mayhew has illustrated this book with an old world flavor. After you read the book, definitely take your children to see the ballet! It will be an experience they won't soon forget. ~The Rebecca Review
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