Nutcracker Night

3.3

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Author(s)

Mireille Messier

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Gabrielle Grimard

Publisher

Pajama Press

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

October 15, 2019

ISBN

978-1772780918

Buy This Book

Discover the sights, sounds and magic of a night at the ballet that will prepare even the youngest of children for their first theatrical experience

Beep! Beep! go the taxis. Voof! go the velvet curtains. The Nutcracker ballet and New York City’s David H. Koch Theater come to life in this onomatopoeic representation of a little girl’s experience at the ballet. From the swish of her dress and the tick-tick-tick of the conductor’s baton to the twelve bongs of the clock and the pitter-patter of dancers’ feet, this special evening is filled with sensory treats for the eyes and especially the ears. And did she enjoy the ballet? The answer is a big smooch on her father’s cheek.

Written by Mireille Messier, Nutcracker Night is a celebration of a Christmas classic that is often a child’s first experience of the ballet. Award-winning illustrator Gabrielle Grimard infuses each scene with warm holiday colors and a richness that will make young readers feel they are really there. An author’s note enriches the text with further information and a brief summary of the famous ballet.

Editor review

1 review

Magic in Sounds

September 21, 2022

Overall rating

3.3

Plot

3.0

Characters

3.0

Writing Style

3.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

NUTCRACKER NIGHT follows a little girl and her family as they're off to experience an exciting Christmas event. They are on their way to see the famous Nutcracker play and she's so excited. There's always magic surrounding the Nutcracker ballet, but not many people think of the sounds go along with it.

The illustrations are stunning and the text is very easy to read. Instead of talking about the ballet like most books do, NUTCRACKER NIGHT focuses on the different sounds you'll hear there. While I like the unique take on this traditional play, it did take away from the magic we usually see with the dancers. Some of the sounds feel a bit odd to say and that brings a bit of humor into it. I do like the family feel to this book, especially when she kisses her dad's cheek.

Final Verdict: NUTCRACKER NIGHT is a cute book full of holiday tradition that I would recommend to younger children who are still learning sounds and for those looking for a simple read.