The Nutcracker Ballet Theatre [Misc. Supplies]

Jean Mahoney (Author), Viola Anne Seddon (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

This charming miniature theater invites children to create their own Nutcracker ballet — with the help of toy dancers to twirl, backdrops to change, a CD of musical selections, and a guide to staging scenes.

For every child who has ever imagined flying off with Clara to the Land of Sweets — and for every child ready to be transported to the magical realm of THE NUTCRACKER for the first time — this beribboned theater is the ultimate gift. Inside you'll find:

- A mini stage with changeable backdrops and scenery
- Six main characters on sticks, for twirling onstage
- Ten more characters available on punch-out sheets
- A booklet retelling the story of THE NUTCRACKER and offering scene-by-scene staging instructions
- A CD of musical selections from THE NUTCRACKER score
- Intriguing facts about ballet history, Tchaikovsky, and Christmas traditions
- Even a recipe for making sugar plums!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jean Mahoney is the author of three books for adults on Japanese
architecture and design. She has led a nomadic life and first had the
inspiration for the NUTCRACKER project while living in Vienna, where she attended the opera and often lamented over the dull librettos. She says, "There¹s nothing like sitting in a darkened theater when suddenly the orchestra pit lights up, and the sound of the instruments tuning up washes over the audience. THE NUTCRACKER BALLET THEATRE is that memory made tangible, a magical moment in miniature."

Viola Ann Seddon grew up in Melbourne, Australia, where her childhood
revolved around the performing arts, ballet, and opera. She has fond
memories of seeing THE NUTCRACKER ballet over and over again, memories that she combined with her love of doll-making to produce THE NUTCRACKER BALLET THEATRE. "I have sewn, painted, and dressed the performers in this set, and since Clara is the leading lady, she resembles my first childhood doll," she says. "I have spent a large part of my life making dolls, which invariably take on lives of their own." The illustrator of two children's books, Viola Ann Seddon currently lives in London.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Misc. Supplies: 12 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (September 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763624535
• ISBN-13: 978-0763624538
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 2 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #783,999 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book - a wonderful and unique gift., November 28, 2005

By 

J Molineaux - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Nutcracker Ballet Theatre (Misc. Supplies)

This book is so different than anything you'll find out there. I bought this as a gift and got rave reviews. The theater box unfolds into a stage, complete with stage sets, paper dolls of the dancers, props and a CD of music from the Nutcracker. It is a great book that parents and children can enjoy together. The art and design of this theater box/book is beautiful and unique. It would make a wonderful gift - it really is one of the best gifts I have some across.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, toy, and music all in one., October 6, 2009

By 

B. McDonald (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Nutcracker Ballet Theatre (Misc. Supplies)

My 5 year old daughter has this and the Sleeping Beauty theater. She loves both and plays with them very intently, inserting the backdrops and twirling characters while she hums to the music. We have also bought these for other little girls as they are unique gifts. The scenes are beautiful and the stage seeting is perfect for little hands. What a great way to introduce children to the classical arts.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and educational!!, October 3, 2009

By 

E. Mulvihill "Happy Grandmother" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Nutcracker Ballet Theatre (Misc. Supplies)

I bought this book over a year ago for my 4 year old granddaughter. On a recent visit she asked me to play with her and the Nutcracker Ballet Theater. She had her favorite sets, knew all the characters and could hum along with the CD. I was amazed and thought she would just keep it on her bookshelf with all her other books. I can't wait to get her Swan Lake as I am thrilled that she will know these classic ballets I only came to know as an adult. A great gift for those imaginative kids you know!