Zombelina Dances The Nutcracker by Kristyn Crow, illustrated by Molly Idle The bright costumes, the intricate dances, the magical music, and a new friend all combine to captivate the girl and to bring color to an otherwise dreary evening. As the curtains rise on The Nutcracker, the girl’s eyes light up as she’s introduced to the magic of the theater. It is a cold and rainy evening when Gran gives her granddaughter something special: tickets to the ballet. In this original retelling, set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, one little girl finds her voice as a musician thanks to her enchanting adventures with a magical toy.

With breathtaking painterly illustrations, a deeply enchanting story, and a foreword written by celebrated dancer Misty Copeland, this picture book brings the recent film The Nutcracker and the Four Realms to life in a brand-new way. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: The Dance of the Realms by Calliope Glass, illustrated by Marco Bucci In pictures filled with wit and whimsy, drama, mystery, and magic, Lisbeth Zwerger transports us to the darkest reaches and brightest beauty of this fairy-tale world. This Nutcracker retelling rounds out the story depicted in the ballet.

Hoffmann, adapted and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger This keepsake edition evokes all the magic and anticipation of Christmas Eve–and culminates in a pop-up finale that brings the story to life. Inspired by Marius Petipa’s sets for the original production of the ballet, this book’s silhouette illustrations dance across pale, watercolor-washed backgrounds in a unique interpretation. The storyline and illustrations of this picture book are inspired by the choreography and set design of the New York City Ballet’s famous production, as choreographed by George Balanchine. That night, she learns that her new friend used to be a brave soldier who fell in love with a real princess… The Nutcracker by New York City Ballet, illustrated by Valeria Docampo When Clara receives a wooden soldier from Uncle Drosselmeier, she falls in love with his big, kind eyes. Hoffmann, adapted and illustrated by An Leysen

Nutcracker and the mouse king book