Books with title Bea in the Nutcracker

One cold and frosty Christmas Eve night, the Stahlbaum house shone festive and bright. Twinkling candles lit up the tree as guests arrived for the Stahlbaums' party. Hoffman's tale of The Nutcracker is a favorite traditional story made popular by Tchaikovsky's ballet music. Retold in verse and beautifully illustrated by Caroline Pedler, the story captures the magic, and excitement of Christmas Eve.

The Nutcracker has enthralled children for more than a century. As the lights go down and the curtain is raised to reveal a perfect Christmas scene, every child can see at last what really happens when the house is asleep and the toys come alive. David Freeman retells the story of Clara, the brave little girl who saves the wounded Nutcracker doll from the wicked Mouse King, while Joanna Isles' vibrant characters dance across the page, with every scene exquisitely framed in an elaborate border. A jewel of a book that children will treasure.

The story that inspired the Tchaikovsky ballet is a magical tale of one little girl’s decent into a dream-like world where the diabolical Mouse King rulesFull of magic and childish wonder, this coming-of-age novella has something for everyone: beautiful dolls, ferocious battles, and dark undertones. Younger readers will be enchanted by this children's classic, while older readers will be intrigued to discover the background to the famous ballet libretto. It is Christmas Eve and little Marie has tired of her new presents, happily playing with a nutcracker instead. So when her brother Fritz breaks it, she is horrified, tenderly bandaging the little nutcracker with her ribbon and putting him to bed. When the clock strikes midnight, Marie is stunned to see an army of mice advancing, led by a seven-headed Mouse King. Her very own nutcracker leads the dolls and toys against the mouse army and a violent battle ensues. This timeless tale is full of the magic of Christmas, but is a delight to read at any time of the year. Its enduring popularity is testament to its originality and charm.

The "Nutcracker" is Peter Tchaikovsky's classic magical tale of Clara & her Prince & their journey to the land of sweets. This full-color illustrated version has been adapted by Carin Dewhurst & includes a full-length CD recorded by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. As you read the story, you can listen to the music on the CD & dance with Clara & her friends. The story begins at Clara's home at a lovely party on Christmas Eve. When the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyere arrives & gives Clara a Nutcracker, she is thrilled. A special Listener's Guide offers a plot summary that corresponds with the ballet to make the listening more enjoyable & more rewarding. Full-color photos & illustrations.