Rating 5

Such a cute and short version of The Nutcracker. The illustrations are adorable and are perfect for children because the mouse king is not scary like in some other versions. This book also goes from small to large due to how it was cut which will make children want to turn the pages even faster. This book is really short which makes it a perfect bedtime story especially around the holidays. It's a great introduction to the story for younger children or for children who struggle with paying attention. I loved this book and I will definitely be purchasing and reading it to my children someday. 

**Received an advanced copy through NetGalley in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

<em>All <strong>around</strong> them, <strong>people danced</strong> and <strong>sang</strong>, <strong>celebrating</strong> how Marie had </em><strong>rescued</strong> the <strong>Nutcracker Prince</strong>.

I'm going to be incredibly blunt here: as a reading educator, this book <em>really</em> annoyed me. In fact, it actually made me a little mad. <em>Step Into The Nutcracker</em> by Words &amp; Pictures is the kind of "introduction to reading" book that can seriously damage a young reader's self-esteem if they're struggling. The language in this book is not acceptable for an introductory reader. There was not a single page in which numerous words I would <em>never</em> put in front of an emerging or struggling reader existed.

<b>The Problem</b>

You see, I'm thinking of the parents out there who don't know the breakdown of how kids develop the ability to read. These are the parents who are going to see the "Step Into" part of this book's title and think it's a <em>great</em> starter book with a story they love to give their little kid. They'll put this book in front of them and it's going to be <em>too hard</em>. This book is appropriate for advanced young readers or a <strong><em>third</em></strong> grader. It is not appropriate for emerging readers.

Very specifically, unless your child has a broad sight word base and knows how to decode 3-syllable words, this book is going to be a struggle. On the first page alone words like <strong>Christmas, parents, were, having, party, brother, wondering, what, wonderful, present, their, Godfather, would, </strong>and<strong> year</strong> all have the potential to be difficult depending on what your child's skill level is.

<u>It just gets worse as you go.</u>

Words like Nutcracker, Drosselmeyer, soldiers, fairy, and sugar are somewhat unavoidable in a Nutcracker story. But why are you using the word<em><strong> almond</strong></em> when you could use a much simpler word like <strong><em>nut</em></strong>? Why are you using the word <strong><em>presented</em></strong> when you can use the word <strong><em>give</em></strong> or <strong><em>gave</em></strong>? Why use the word <strong><em>beautiful</em></strong> when you can use the word <strong><em>cute</em></strong>?

And there numerous other instances of this very problem. <strong><em>Shouted</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>yelled</em></strong>. <strong><em>Worry</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>fret</em></strong>. <strong><em>Downstairs</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>out</em></strong>. <strong><em>Amazed</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>shocked</em></strong> or <strong><em>stunned</em></strong>. <strong><em>Spring</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>come</em></strong>. <strong><em>Approaches</em></strong> instead of<strong><em> comes</em></strong>. <strong><em>Scurrying</em></strong> and <strong><em>scuttled</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>runs/running</em></strong>. <strong><em>Gnawed</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>ate</em></strong>. Using words like <strong>opportunity, lemonade</strong>, <strong><em>celebrating</em></strong>, and<strong><em> chocolate</em></strong> in general. <strong><em>Lifted</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>broke</em></strong>. <strong><em>Whisked</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>went to</em></strong>. <strong><em>Followed</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>walked</em></strong>. <strong><em>Arrived</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>got to</em></strong>. <strong><em>Palace</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>castle</em></strong>. <strong><em>Danced</em></strong> instead of <strong><em>had fun</em></strong>. <strong><em>Rescued </em></strong>instead of <strong><em>saved</strong></em>.

<p>It took me five minutes to edit this story to a more appropriate reading level. What was the writer <em>thinking</em>?

<b>Art and Presentation</b>

I'll give <em>Step Into The Nutcracker</em> this much. I really enjoyed the design layout. It was exceptionally exciting to see how the layers of images all fit together to make the front cover. It was even more thrilling to peel away the outer wrapping, as it were, to delve more deeply into the confines of this story that I've loved for <em>many</em> years. That was clever.

But, I also didn't even like the artwork. Cynthia Alonso did a great job, I'll admit, but it's not my style or taste. I will say, though, that this is the kind of artwork that young children will love. While the text may not be gentle or engaging in the slightest, the illustrations certainly were. These bright and colorful pictures are going to grab and hold the attention of any young reader who picks it up.

<b>Incredibly Disappointed</b>

As a regular children's book that was solely meant to be read to a kid or something specifically targeted toward an older kid, I don't have <em>as many </em>problems with this book as a whole. As a Step Into Reading suggested book as this one is, I have <em>huge</em> problems with it. Again, it took me five minutes to edit down this book to the point that it was appropriate for readers who are just getting started. So why was the writer of this book so insistent upon flowery language that would be too difficult for many emerging readers?

This is the kind of book that well-meaning parents sit down in front of their children expecting them to be able to read. And the situation devolves all too quickly into one where both parent and child are frustrated because they don't understand why it's so difficult. <em>It's a kid's book, </em>they say. <em>It's a book for early readers!</em> And yet a large portion of the language is too difficult.

So, suddenly, the child feels terrible and thinks they are stupid and they no longer want to learn to read. They turn up their noses whenever mom or dad asks them to read. They decide school sucks. And I think it would bother me less if I hadn't seen this <i>so</i> often with young children in my line of work. It's one thing for parents to pick up a regular children's book that was written to be read out loud to kids and not understand why their child can't read it. It's another thing entirely when the book is one marketed for the purposes of "step into reading."

I honestly can't say for sure what the author was thinking. But I am really disappointed that this is being marketed as a book for newer readers because, quite simply, the language used does not account for that <em>at all</em>.

<em>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</em>

This post will be live on the Reader Fox blog on November 16, 2020.

I love reading Nutcracker retellings. It's just such a classic, dreamy story and I love seeing how different authors and illustrators choose to interpret it. This version is kind of a simplified, modernized Nutcracker, and it's super cute!

This board book is formed from die-cut pages, giving you just a peek of each page visible from the front of the book. As you turn each page, a bit more of the story is revealed.

This version also feels very fresh and contemporary. The illustrations are simple yet beautiful with vibrant colors. Marie (aka: Clara) wears two-piece rainbow-print PJs instead of a frilly dress, something that many little readers themselves might be wearing while they read this. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her dancers add some diversity to the story.

The story is condensed and there is only a sentence or two on each page, which I think is perfect for a board book audience. It's a quick introduction to The Nutcracker to get little ones familiar with and interested in the story. I think the mix of the artwork, the simple text, and the die-cut pages will definitely make this a hit with tiny readers!


Final verdict: I loved it! I thought this book was great! I might buy it for myself and I would definitely recommend it to others.

This book was a very cute beginning start into the nutcracker!! The art work was absolutely stunning. I read this to my 5 year old cousin and she couldn’t get over how pretty the art was!! Very well done!

Great story with beautifully layered illustrations and pictures. This book was a good summary and beginning read for The Nutcracker story. I think it would work best in a primary classroom - K-3 but could definitely be used in other grades! I plan to buy a copy for my classroom library. 📚

A fun Christmas book, with layered pages, bright colors, and adorable illustrations. A great way to introduce the classic story of The Nutcracker to even the littlest kids.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest opinion.

The Nutcracker is a beginning level introduction to the classic ballet story that we have all come to know and love. It features the very beginnings of the story. It would be the best fit for your littlest readers. As I was reading it, I felt like I just wanted more. It ended right at the point of the story beginnings. I know that's because the story features a version for our younger readers. However, I felt this version as too hard for toddlers, yet not enough for the next level.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
This is a simplified board book version of the Nutcracker.

A wonderful, playful, colorful adaptation of a beloved holiday adventure, filled with magic and wonder.

A sweet short story with layered pages, this will teach children a very basic version of the tale of the Nutcracker.

Simply amazing! I just loved the layering of the pages because it gives such an immersive dimension to the book and the story. The colors and pictures just "pop" out at you. and you are taken to a magical land of fairies, and gingerbread men.

The Nutcracker is sure to be a welcome addition to a child's library. What better way to introduce a classic to a youngster? I'll have to put this book on my grandchildren's gift list.

Five stars. I loved it. I received a digital ARC from words&pictures through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions. My review is concurrently being posted on Goodreads. My review will be featured on my Blog with a cross post to Twitter on 11/1/20, with reviews to retail sites being posted on publication day.

Unfortunately I only received the first page of the book when I downloaded it, so I can't give a full review. But I really like the art style and I'm looking forward to reading it eventually.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for approving me for this review copy.
Sadly though I only received one page of the download so I am unable to write a full review. The cover art is beautiful though and I applaud publishers for continuing to re-issue and refresh classics. I wish I could have reviewed it more thoroughly.

I received an advance copy of The Nutcracker, by words and pictures. This is the classic retelling of the famous ballet. I really liked it.

Very cute and the art style is just charming! Bring a little bit of holiday joy with this adorable book! Perfect for the holidays and for kids!

Advanced Reader Copy provided by Words&Pictures via Netgalley

Step Into The Nutcracker is a shorter version of the classic Christmas story. This book is die-cut on layered pages which makes the book very intriguing for children as the pages get bigger the farther into the story you get. The illustrations in this story really make the book for me, the style isn't one I've seen a lot and I'm a big fan. The colors in the pictures all mix nicely together and stand out well.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has littles that love Christmas as well as those who are fans of the Christmas story and would like an interesting edition in their collection. Would be a great present in December!

Sadly, I will be unable to provide a review of this title as the file received consisted of a single page. Fours stars for the beautiful illustrations and the revival of a classic and favourite Christmas story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures for approving my request for an ARC.

This is a beautiful take on the beloved classic Christmas Story. The illustrations are bright, modern, and beautiful.
Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advance copy.