The Nutcracker — Geraldine McCaughrean

Open this scrumptious holiday edition of The Nutcracker and magically recreate the motion, color, and delight of the classic ballet. Paper engineering wizardry allows characters to dance into life simply by turning the pages?with no tabs for the reader to pull (or break). From the twirling Sugar Plum Fairy and the evil Mouse King to the little girl Marie and her Nutcracker Prince, the cast of beloved characters creates a wondrous "theater" effect as each steps out of intricately die-cut panels. From the first dancing snowflake, beloved author Geraldine McCaughrean's retelling sparkles with enchantment and drama, her words exquisitely matched by Kristina Swarner's luminous, jewel-toned illustrations.