That was rather delightful. I really loved the old fashioned pictures. The story really is a magical one and now it makes me want to go watch the ballet! This is a picture book, but more for advanced readers or to be read aloud to the whole family, because there are quite a lot of words for a picture book. It was a lovely, fun read.

Good story. Liked the story flow and the characters. The Nutcracker reference and story made the story. Liked the illistrations. Well done! Would recommend this book for holiday family time. Add it to your collection!

Christmas and the Nutcracker go together like peanut butter and jelly; the story is completely entrenched in our enjoyment of the season. Numerous retellings have been done in movies, books, the ballet and more as its one of the holiday’s most endearing classics.

The book reminded me so much of a 1990 Canadian animated film The Nutcracker Prince featuring the voice talents of Kiefer Sutherland as Hans (The Nutcracker), Peter O'Toole as Pantaloon and Phyllis Diller as the Mousequeen that I had to turn the DVD on to watch with my kids when we were done with the story.

Adair provides yet another sweet retelling of this age old story with beautiful illustrations that perfectly capture the Victorian era and help get you into the holiday spirit. The Nutcracker’s backstory is given for those who don’t remember it and need a refresher.