The Nutcracker and the Mouse King: Illustrated by Gail De Marcken

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 8, 2009

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

by E.T.A. Hoffmann (Author), Gail De Marcken (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-9

Hardcover: 56 pages

Publisher: Orchard Books (September 1, 2009)

What to expect: Fairy tale, nutcracker, holiday

Gail De Marcken’s brilliant water color illustrations fill the large pages and border the classic and original text of E.T. A. Hoffman (1816). Using ink, De Macrken has added distinguished detail to her alluring images; from the expressions on the faces of dolls to the scenery from Marie’s dreams, emotion and magic is certainly apparent and very effective. If you’re planning to head to the ballet this season, this version would be wonderful to read beforehand; there is even a brief introduction at the beginning of the book that lets readers know how the Tchaikovsky ballet came about. However, the story is longer than most traditional picture books, so be sure to have a bookmark handy.

Publisher’s synopsis: In this gorgeous telling of The Nutcracker, Gail de Marcken brings E.T.A. Hoffmann’s richly enchanting world to life. With beautifully detailed illustrations, the story of THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING will become an instant classic . It’s a story readers of all ages will delight in.

Add this book to your collection: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Are you planning to go and see the ballet version? Do you have a favorite ballet company who showcases the Nutcracker? Maybe you have a favorite book version of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Leave us a comment below.

_{Source of book: Scholastic}