Nutcracker-themed books for kids, adults
After you watch the DPAA videos, youmightwantto followup with a book. Here are some suggestions fromDaytonMetro Library youth services directorMandie Burns andchildren’s librarian at the Wilmington-Stroop branch, Melissa Sokol:
“Nutcracker Night” by Mireille Messier, illustrated byGabrielGrimard. Apicture book about a little girl who sees “The Nutcracker” ballet. Each scene is associated with a sound — such as the swish of the little girl’s dress.
“Ella Bella Ballerina and the Nutcracker” by James Mayhew. Ella Bella is magically transported to the world of “The Nutcracker” and meets Clara and then helps her defeat the evil Mouse King.
“E. T. A. Hoffmann’sThe Nutcracker” byJackandHolmanWang. Aboardbookthat uses photography of needlefelted scenes.
“DanceDivas: OnPointe” by Sheryl Berk. A chapter book follows three friends as they audition for a professionalcompany’sproduction of “TheNutcracker.” Astory about friendship and learning to deal with the outcome of an audition that doesn’t go your way.
“TheNutcracker: ABabylitDancing Primer” by Jennifer Adams. A board book featuring soldiers marching, mice prancing, snowflakes swirling, dolls bending, and buffoons skipping as a way tointroducebasicmovement termstobabies andtoddlers.
“E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and theMouse King: The Graphic Novel” by Natalie Andrewson. Fullcolor art that employs thin lines and bright colors.
“I Love the Nutcracker: My First Sound Book” by MarionBillet. Buttons trigger sounds from Tchaikovsky’s classical ballet.
“Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite” byAnnaHarwellCelenza. Learnhowjazz composerandmusicianDuke Ellington, along with Billy Strayhorn, created his jazz composition based onTchaikovsky’s famousNutcracker Suite ballet.
“Hiddensee: A Tale of the Once and Future Nutcracker” by GregoryMaguire. Anovel that imagines the backstory of theNutcracker.
“TheNutcracker in Harlem” by T.E. McMorrow. A jazz-inspired retelling, set in New York City during the height of theHarlemRenaissance. A little girl finds her voice as a musician.
“TheNutcracker” byNew YorkCityBallet. Thestoryline mimics the choreography of the ballet; illustrations are inspired by the backdrops and scenery fromthe actual production.
“The Nutcracker: A Papercut Pop-Up Book” by Shobhna Patel. Intricate laser- cut illustrations with four pop-up paperscopes.