FICTION

The Nutcracker

by E.T.A. HOFFMANN

illus. by Roberto Innocenti. 136p. Creative Company. Aug. 2017. Tr $29.99. ISBN 9781568463131.

COPY ISBN

Gr 3–5—A slim unabridged version of Hoffmann's classic Christmas story that bears only traces of the plot enacted in the ballet by Tchaikovsky. Innocenti's sumptuous paintings highlight the darker side of the tale, such as the hideous seven-headed Mouse King and the sad story of Princess Pirlipat.

VERDICT Younger children looking for sugar plum fairies might be better served by one of the picture books that tells the story of the ballet itself.

Reviewed by Virginia Walter, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies , Oct 01, 2017

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:

Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.