The Nutcracker with text based on the ballet and with gorgeous illustrations by Susan Jeffers is a visual holiday treat. This outstanding picture book, originally published in 2007 but still available today, is an oldie but goodie.
The story focuses on Marie and her brother Fritz as their parents prepare for a lush and lovely Christmas Eve ball and guests begin to arrive. The illustration of the first dance is full of twirls and swirls. The pictures throughout are beautifully rendered in pencil, black ink, and gouache.
The last guest to appear, toymaker Herr Drosselmeier, arrives with gifts----two for Fritz including toy soldiers and three for Marie. Thinking this to be unfair Fritz grabs his sister’s third gift, a wooden Nutcracker, causing it to fall broken onto the floor. Marie who loves the Nutcracker stays by his side through much of the night until the Mouse King’s army begins an assault on the toy soldiers! The illustrations turn wild with details as Marie throws her slipper at the Mouse King killing him. The toymaker then turns the Nutcracker back into a Prince.
The rest of the story is marked by illustrations cloaked in the lines, shapes, and colors of the dreamy world of the Land of Sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy. The book’s exceptional cover shows Marie’s beautiful golden hair caught by a breeze as she lovingly holds the Nutcracker.
The Nutcracker illustrated by Susan Jeffers will speak to children 4-8 years of age as well as family members gathered about during the holiday season (HarperCollins Children’s Books), 2007.
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Activity Questions for The Nutcracker
Older Children: Read the following questions about this story and find the answers within the pages of this book: Who made the toys that were given to Fritz and Marie? Why did Fritz attack the Nutcracker? When did the Christmas tree start to grow and why was this important? How did Marie save the Nutcracker from the Mouse King? Where did the prince get the crown that he placed on Marie’s head? Why could this story not be told without Herr Drosselmeier?
Take a good look at the picture of the Mouse King just before he is hit by Marie’s slipper. Now draw a picture of him----be sure to include his five heads, his five crowns, his white eyes, his long sword AND any of your own details that you think would be fun. Use your imagination.
The dance of the sugar plum fairy is very beautiful musically. Ask your parents or grandparents to locate the music online so that you can experience it as you also enjoy the illustration of the dance in this book.
