by E T A Hoffmann (Author) Natalie Andrewson (Illustrator)
Natalie Andrewson brings E.T.A. Hoffmann's surreal and fantastical story to life like never before in this vibrant graphic novel adaptation of the beloved Christmas classic, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
Of all the gifts under the tree on Christmas Eve, only one captures Marie Stahlbaum's heart: a humble nutcracker. He's a curious little man, with kind eyes, sweet red cheeks, and a friendly appearance. And as midnight nears, he comes to life, revealing a fairy-tale world of magic and wonder, wicked princesses and fierce battles . . . and an ancient curse that can only be broken with the help of a true friend.
With the evil Mouse King looming and her dream world threatened, Marie will have to find the strength to stand up for her nutcracker--no matter what it takes.
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Andrewson renders an immersive re-imagining of the classic Christmas tale in 14 chapters. In Germany, Marie and Fritz Stahlbaum await Christmas Eve and their godfather Drosselmeier, a "mechanically minded" man who each year brings them handmade gifts. Discovering a nutcracker beneath the tree, Marie fervently guards it, first from battle-minded Fritz, then, in a series of nightmarish clashes, from a terrifying Mouse King who appears to Marie after midnight. Occasional captions guide readers through Marie's experiences over several nights, while a secondary fairy tale arc--of the human Princess Pirlipat and revenge-obsessed mouse Lady Mouserinks--adds context to Marie's story. In whimsical full-color art that employs thin lines and bright colors, Andrewson fills each page with measured revelations that mimic the ballet's drama--the Christmas tree's appearance, the clock striking midnight, the arrival of the mice and the many-headed Mouse King--while centering Marie's bravery and grit. A captivating, otherworldly adaptation for old fans and new. Ages 6-10. (Sept.) ■
Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission."[Andrewson's] distinctive illustration style is well matched to Hoffmann's story, with vivid colors, wavy linework, and exaggerated facial expressions that all reinforce the trippy, unsettling plot." —Kirkus
"In whimsical full-color art that employs thin lines and bright colors, Andrewson fills each page with measured revelations that mimic the ballet's drama...while centering Marie's bravery and grit. A captivating, otherworldly adaptation for old fans and new." —Publisher's Weekly