Name: Jan Brett's The Nutcracker
Availability: InStock
Author: Jan Brett

About This Book

Jan Brett's striking illustrations and the Christmas classic The Nutcracker are a match made in picture book heaven. When Marie and her brother Fritz receive a special Christmas nutcracker from their uncle, Marie immediately feels something magical. "He looks like a real boy," she mused. "A real boy with a secret, who came from far away." This feeling is only the beginning of the epic adventure she goes on with the Nutcracker—into the cabinet, through the battle with the mice, and finally to the

Our Review

This beautifully illustrated retelling of the classic Christmas story brings E.T.A. Hoffmann's magical world to life through Jan Brett's signature detailed artwork. Young readers follow Marie's wondrous journey from receiving a special nutcracker on Christmas Eve to battling mouse armies and traveling to the Land of Sweets, with each spread offering rich visual storytelling that captures both the grandeur and intimacy of this holiday tale. The narrative maintains the timeless charm of the original while being perfectly paced for elementary school readers, making it an ideal introduction to this beloved ballet and story.

What sets this picture book apart are Brett's intricate borders and folk-art inspired illustrations, which provide visual clues about upcoming story developments and create a immersive reading experience. Children who enjoy discovering hidden details in artwork will spend hours poring over the elaborate costumes, expressive animal characters, and wintry scenes that make every page a treasure. This edition serves as both a wonderful read-aloud for family Christmas traditions and an engaging independent reading choice for developing readers ready for longer stories, ensuring the magic of this holiday classic will captivate a new generation.