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Nutcracker
In Nutcracker, the premier children's book illustrator of our time adds his own magic to a story that has long enchanted children and grown-ups alike. Maurice Sendak created this illustrated version of Hoffmann's wonderful tale, basing his illustrations on the sets and costumes he designed for a dance production staged by the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Illustrations.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1984
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About the author
Maurice Sendak
427 books2,307 followersMaurice Sendak was a visionary American illustrator and writer best known for transforming the landscape of children's literature through his emotionally resonant stories and distinctive artistic style. He gained international acclaim with Where the Wild Things Are, a groundbreaking picture book that captured the emotional intensity of childhood through its honest portrayal of anger, imagination, and longing. Widely recognized for his ability to blend the whimsical with the profound, Sendak created works that resonated with both children and adults, challenging conventional notions of what children's books could be.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Sendak was a sickly child who spent much of his early life indoors, nurturing a love for books, drawing, and storytelling. The son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, he was deeply affected by the losses of the Holocaust, which shaped the darker emotional undercurrents in his work. His art was influenced by a range of sources, from comic strips and Mickey Mouse to Mozart, Blake, and German Romanticism. Though he began his career illustrating other writers’ books, he soon transitioned to authoring his own, beginning with Kenny’s Window and then The Sign on Rosie’s Door.
It was Where the Wild Things Are, published in 1963, that solidified Sendak’s reputation as a master of children’s literature. The book, which won the Caldecott Medal, was initially controversial due to its depiction of unruly behavior and ambiguous emotional tone. However, it was later recognized as a revolutionary work that respected children’s inner lives and psychological complexity. This theme continued in his later works, including In the Night Kitchen and Outside Over There, which formed a loose trilogy exploring the emotional and imaginative experiences of childhood. These books, celebrated for their dreamlike narratives and lush illustrations, often tackled fears, fantasies, and the challenges of growing up.
Throughout his career, Sendak illustrated more than a hundred books, working with authors such as Ruth Krauss and Else Holmelund Minarik. His visual style—characterized by its intricate detail, dynamic line work, and expressive characters—evolved over the decades, but always retained an unmistakable emotional intensity. He also designed sets and costumes for operas and ballets, bringing his imaginative worlds to the stage. Notably, he created productions for works by Mozart and Prokofiev, combining his love of classical music with theatrical design.
Sendak was known for his sharp wit, fierce independence, and deep empathy for children. He openly criticized the sanitized and moralistic tone of much of children's publishing, insisting instead that young readers deserved stories that acknowledged their full emotional range, including fear, grief, anger, and wonder. He was also an openly gay man in a long-term relationship, though he only spoke publicly about his sexuality later in life.
Later in his career, Sendak continued to produce new work, collaborate with artists and institutions, and advocate for intellectual freedom. His final books, including Bumble-Ardy and My Brother’s Book, reflected both a return to his childhood memories and a meditation on aging, love, and mortality. Though his stories often ventured into the dark or surreal, they remained rooted in a deep respect for the emotional reality of children and a belief in the power of imagination to confront life's challenges.
Maurice Sendak’s legacy endures in the countless writers and illustrators he inspired, the cultural impact of his stories, and the enduring affection readers of all ages hold for his wild things, mischievous children, and tender monsters. Through his work, he redefined what children’s literature could be: rich, honest, haunting, and, above all, deeply human.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Sendak was a sickly child who spent much of his early life indoors, nurturing a love for books, drawing, and storytelling. The son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, he was deeply affected by the losses of the Holocaust, which shaped the darker emotional undercurrents in his work. His art was influenced by a range of sources, from comic strips and Mickey Mouse to Mozart, Blake, and German Romanticism. Though he began his career illustrating other writers’ books, he soon transitioned to authoring his own, beginning with Kenny’s Window and then The Sign on Rosie’s Door.
It was Where the Wild Things Are, published in 1963, that solidified Sendak’s reputation as a master of children’s literature. The book, which won the Caldecott Medal, was initially controversial due to its depiction of unruly behavior and ambiguous emotional tone. However, it was later recognized as a revolutionary work that respected children’s inner lives and psychological complexity. This theme continued in his later works, including In the Night Kitchen and Outside Over There, which formed a loose trilogy exploring the emotional and imaginative experiences of childhood. These books, celebrated for their dreamlike narratives and lush illustrations, often tackled fears, fantasies, and the challenges of growing up.
Throughout his career, Sendak illustrated more than a hundred books, working with authors such as Ruth Krauss and Else Holmelund Minarik. His visual style—characterized by its intricate detail, dynamic line work, and expressive characters—evolved over the decades, but always retained an unmistakable emotional intensity. He also designed sets and costumes for operas and ballets, bringing his imaginative worlds to the stage. Notably, he created productions for works by Mozart and Prokofiev, combining his love of classical music with theatrical design.
Sendak was known for his sharp wit, fierce independence, and deep empathy for children. He openly criticized the sanitized and moralistic tone of much of children's publishing, insisting instead that young readers deserved stories that acknowledged their full emotional range, including fear, grief, anger, and wonder. He was also an openly gay man in a long-term relationship, though he only spoke publicly about his sexuality later in life.
Later in his career, Sendak continued to produce new work, collaborate with artists and institutions, and advocate for intellectual freedom. His final books, including Bumble-Ardy and My Brother’s Book, reflected both a return to his childhood memories and a meditation on aging, love, and mortality. Though his stories often ventured into the dark or surreal, they remained rooted in a deep respect for the emotional reality of children and a belief in the power of imagination to confront life's challenges.
Maurice Sendak’s legacy endures in the countless writers and illustrators he inspired, the cultural impact of his stories, and the enduring affection readers of all ages hold for his wild things, mischievous children, and tender monsters. Through his work, he redefined what children’s literature could be: rich, honest, haunting, and, above all, deeply human.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 488 reviews
December 21, 2023
When I was a little boy I had a set of a dozen postcards titled The Nutcracker and the Mouse King but I had no fairy tale. When I perused the cards I imagined what a mysterious tale it must be. I read the story first time in my twenties when E. T. A. Hoffmann already became one of my favourite writers and I found the fairy tale really magical.
The Nutcracker is Marie’s most cherished Christmas present…
But the Nutcracker has a deadly enemy who had sworn to kill him… His enemy is the Mouse King…
Marie falls ill and she is told the tale explaining the appearance of the Nutcracker in the world… When she recovers she gets terrorized by the Mouse King threatening to destroy the Nutcracker… But the brave and knightly hero defeats the monster… And after the victory the Nutcracker shows Marie his fantastic realm of toys and confections…
A fairy land of childhood is made of gingerbread, sweets and sweet dreams.
The Nutcracker is Marie’s most cherished Christmas present…
The father then removed him cautiously from the table and, raising the wooden cape aloft, the manikin opened his mouth wide, wide, and showed two rows of very sharp, very tiny white teeth. When told to do so, Marie inserted a nut and – Crack! Crack! – he chewed up the nut, so that the shell dropped away, and the sweet kernel itself ended up in Marie’s hand.
But the Nutcracker has a deadly enemy who had sworn to kill him… His enemy is the Mouse King…
Right at her feet, as if driven by subterranean force, the ground spurted out sand and lime and crumbling wall stones, and seven mouse heads with seven brightly sparkling crowns loomed high from the ground, hissing and whistling quite unbearably.
Soon the mouse body, to whose neck the seven heads were attached, likewise worked its way out completely, and the large mouse, adorned with seven diadems, exulted in its full chorus.
Marie falls ill and she is told the tale explaining the appearance of the Nutcracker in the world… When she recovers she gets terrorized by the Mouse King threatening to destroy the Nutcracker… But the brave and knightly hero defeats the monster… And after the victory the Nutcracker shows Marie his fantastic realm of toys and confections…
No sooner had they walked a few paces than they reached the great marketplace, which offered the most thrilling view. The surrounding houses were shuttered by sweets, gallery was piled on gallery; and at the middle there stood a high, frosted layer cake as the obelisk. All about it, four very artful fountains spewed orgeat, lemonade, and other superb sweet drinks aloft. And the basin filled up with cream, which could have been spooned out right away.
A fairy land of childhood is made of gingerbread, sweets and sweet dreams.
December 25, 2017
Maurice Sendak did the illustrations for this edition. I love them. They are quirky and what you expect from Maurice.
This is the full edition and it is night something you can read in a single bedtime story. This is long. This is also all about how things look. Is someone pretty or not. Marie sees the beauty on the inside over what is on the outside.
The nutcracker ballet focuses more on the candyland part of the story and the beauty there. The book spends much of the story on war - heaven help us. I mean, it is a lot about fighting and war. This is so 1800.
I think I prefer the ballet to the book and I did enjoy this. Having a shorter version you can read in a night is nice too. Still, I'm glad I finally read this whole thing. Merry Christmas.
This is the full edition and it is night something you can read in a single bedtime story. This is long. This is also all about how things look. Is someone pretty or not. Marie sees the beauty on the inside over what is on the outside.
The nutcracker ballet focuses more on the candyland part of the story and the beauty there. The book spends much of the story on war - heaven help us. I mean, it is a lot about fighting and war. This is so 1800.
I think I prefer the ballet to the book and I did enjoy this. Having a shorter version you can read in a night is nice too. Still, I'm glad I finally read this whole thing. Merry Christmas.
December 29, 2023
Un classique parmi les classiques à lire et à relire.
April 2, 2018
I read this book years ago, but since I am reviewing Christmas books that I am reading this year, I have added this.
Back in the 1970s my friend Cathy took me and her grandmother to see The Nutcracker Ballet in San Francisco. It was the highlight of my Christmas and many to come. We did a lot of Christmas things when I lived in Berkeley. San Francisco was always great for looking in store windows to see the old fashion Christmas displays and Union Square was always lit up. And then we enjoyed the Dunsmuir Mansion in Oakland where they had the house all decorated and a Christmas craft fair on the grounds. I miss those things. But where I live at least we have the Thompson House where they have a craft fair every year and homemade cookies, candy, and breads.
Back in the 1970s my friend Cathy took me and her grandmother to see The Nutcracker Ballet in San Francisco. It was the highlight of my Christmas and many to come. We did a lot of Christmas things when I lived in Berkeley. San Francisco was always great for looking in store windows to see the old fashion Christmas displays and Union Square was always lit up. And then we enjoyed the Dunsmuir Mansion in Oakland where they had the house all decorated and a Christmas craft fair on the grounds. I miss those things. But where I live at least we have the Thompson House where they have a craft fair every year and homemade cookies, candy, and breads.
December 26, 2015
The Nutcracker Prince, with Keifer Sutherland as the voice of Nutcracker, was one of my favorite childhood movies, and is still a favorite to this day. When I realized it was based on a short story that also inspired the ballet, obviously I had to read it.
I'm not a fan of Where the Wild Things Are, and I wasn't too impressed with Sendak's weird Labyrinth-like tale, Outside Over There (because there was no Jareth in it, obviously). But I wanted to read this version because Auntie J said it was the best version ever.
I actually read another version of this tale and was less than impressed. I figured it was just a bad translation, but this version was quite similar.
The illustrations were good, but not good enough to make me swoon. The story was not quite to my taste and, in fact, a bit weird. If Marie was only seven at the beginning, how did she get betrothed at the end? She would have been eight by the time they got married.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'd be a fan of this story if it weren't for the movie version I love. I'm not sure what it is about the movie that makes it so magical for me, but certainly Tchaikovsky's beautiful music used throughout doesn't hurt. Clara takes a much more active role in the narrative than the book's Marie. Also, look how adorable Nutcracker is.
Yes, yes, he's supposed to be ugly. But a character voiced by Keifer Sutherland could never be ugly!
I don't think I'll be seeking out any more written versions of this story, but I am interested in the ballet and other movie versions.
I'm not a fan of Where the Wild Things Are, and I wasn't too impressed with Sendak's weird Labyrinth-like tale, Outside Over There (because there was no Jareth in it, obviously). But I wanted to read this version because Auntie J said it was the best version ever.
I actually read another version of this tale and was less than impressed. I figured it was just a bad translation, but this version was quite similar.
The illustrations were good, but not good enough to make me swoon. The story was not quite to my taste and, in fact, a bit weird. If Marie was only seven at the beginning, how did she get betrothed at the end? She would have been eight by the time they got married.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'd be a fan of this story if it weren't for the movie version I love. I'm not sure what it is about the movie that makes it so magical for me, but certainly Tchaikovsky's beautiful music used throughout doesn't hurt. Clara takes a much more active role in the narrative than the book's Marie. Also, look how adorable Nutcracker is.
Yes, yes, he's supposed to be ugly. But a character voiced by Keifer Sutherland could never be ugly!
I don't think I'll be seeking out any more written versions of this story, but I am interested in the ballet and other movie versions.
December 30, 2020
This was a perfect treat for me this morning. I read the story, but the audiobook version was a totally new experience. I loved the narrator, and the Tchaikovsky's music completed the perfect image of the book.
If you want to read this book, definitely try the audiobook version. You won't regret it!
If you want to read this book, definitely try the audiobook version. You won't regret it!
December 14, 2016
I love my edition with its wonderful introduction and Maurice Sendak illustrations. I love the music and the dancing that is the ballet. But there is something about this story that always creeps me out. It is not the many headed mouse king. No, its the whole ending bit. The story is about girl growing up, to a degree, except that it is rather strange because when she travel with her dream prince she dreams of a place any child would want. Than all of a sudden she is getting married to a little man. It's kinda freaky.
The ballet does it better.
But it show has some beautiful art.
The ballet does it better.
But it show has some beautiful art.
November 23, 2016
A beautiful book to read and to look at. There is more to the story than the ballet. A classic that I have never read before -- highly recommended, especially at Christmas.
December 27, 2023
A magnificent tale which had a slight Alice in Wonderland feel to me. The very quirky and creepy elements of the story worked well and i always like a slightly different take to Christmas stories.
I will have to read the Dumas version and i still have never seen this performed on stage or on tv! Terrible i know! Where have i been.
For such a short tale it really does take us to this magical land of Christmas wonders. Fast paced and a little action packed. I could imagine being a child and seing this playing out. Swash buckling mice! The brave Nutcracker and a land made of sweets! What more do we need.
I will have to read the Dumas version and i still have never seen this performed on stage or on tv! Terrible i know! Where have i been.
For such a short tale it really does take us to this magical land of Christmas wonders. Fast paced and a little action packed. I could imagine being a child and seing this playing out. Swash buckling mice! The brave Nutcracker and a land made of sweets! What more do we need.
December 22, 2016
While reading this for a Yule themed group read in the Into the Forest group https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/... I realised that I had never actually read this original version! I was surprised to find that it's much darker and creepier than the ballet. I then discovered that the ballet is actually based on a short story written by Alexandre Dumas!
I can't give a book where mice play such a large role more than 3 stars, but regardless this book is interesting to read if you're interested in knowing some background history of the Nutcracker ballet.
I can't give a book where mice play such a large role more than 3 stars, but regardless this book is interesting to read if you're interested in knowing some background history of the Nutcracker ballet.
December 26, 2015
My mom and I used to see this ballet nearly every winter, but I'd never read the original story. I loved seeing Sendak's illustrations accompanying it, and if I see the ballet again I'll have a thorough understanding of the backstory!
February 7, 2017
Let's return to Christmas time for a moment with the last book I read in 2016 (while my dad was suffering from influenza, and I myself had a cold and was in bed throughout Christmas with chocolate pralines, so perfect time for something light), and the last book from that year I'm going to review. The story of the Nutcracker is best known as the Tchaikovsky ballet, which in turn is based on Alexandre Dumas père's adaptation of Hoffmann's story. The ballet's gorgeous music and the beautiful sets and costumes bring just the right kind of magic to Christmas, which I think is what many traditionally-inclined Christmas lovers need at that time of the year.
Hoffmann's story is magical as well. Even though the ballet is great in many ways and the Christmas magic is unrivalled, it kind of grows old really quickly if you watch a lot of similar productions. Sometimes it seems a bit stretched as well, and compared with the original story, almost too straightforward.
I read the newest English translation by Ralph Manheim, and I have no complaints there (I occasionally like to read aloud whenever I'm reading nonfiction or a children's book in English, so I often gravitate towards the English translation/edition even when there's a Finnish one available). The illustrations are by Maurice Sendak (who also created the sets and costumes for the 1983 Seattle production). At first glance Sendak's pictures are pretty and just the right kind of traditional I usually like, but they started to seem a bit flat at one point. I love Tove Jansson's black and white Moomin illustrations and Rudolf Koivu's atmospheric works, but at least in Nutcracker Sendak's illustrations seem a bit lifeless. Maybe I'm thinking this too much, but they're just not something I'd expect to see in a German children's classic.
You see, Hoffmann's Nutcracker also has darker tones. It's not a colorful marshmallowy story, but occasionally it crunches like brittle between your teeth. The joy of getting presents each more gorgeous than the other turns into a bloody battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Marie's dreamlike adventures draw you into a fairy tale land that isn't simplistically innocent, but has also cracks and faults. It's a world where mice threaten to bite a baby in half and a creepy dude with a sweet tooth comes to chew your marzipan house to pieces.
So, when next Christmas the roofs are (hopefully) covered in snow and silence descends, make a cup of hot cocoa and sink into the depths of your arm chair. The Nutcracker is waiting on the pages for the next Marie.
Hoffmann's story is magical as well. Even though the ballet is great in many ways and the Christmas magic is unrivalled, it kind of grows old really quickly if you watch a lot of similar productions. Sometimes it seems a bit stretched as well, and compared with the original story, almost too straightforward.
I read the newest English translation by Ralph Manheim, and I have no complaints there (I occasionally like to read aloud whenever I'm reading nonfiction or a children's book in English, so I often gravitate towards the English translation/edition even when there's a Finnish one available). The illustrations are by Maurice Sendak (who also created the sets and costumes for the 1983 Seattle production). At first glance Sendak's pictures are pretty and just the right kind of traditional I usually like, but they started to seem a bit flat at one point. I love Tove Jansson's black and white Moomin illustrations and Rudolf Koivu's atmospheric works, but at least in Nutcracker Sendak's illustrations seem a bit lifeless. Maybe I'm thinking this too much, but they're just not something I'd expect to see in a German children's classic.
You see, Hoffmann's Nutcracker also has darker tones. It's not a colorful marshmallowy story, but occasionally it crunches like brittle between your teeth. The joy of getting presents each more gorgeous than the other turns into a bloody battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Marie's dreamlike adventures draw you into a fairy tale land that isn't simplistically innocent, but has also cracks and faults. It's a world where mice threaten to bite a baby in half and a creepy dude with a sweet tooth comes to chew your marzipan house to pieces.
So, when next Christmas the roofs are (hopefully) covered in snow and silence descends, make a cup of hot cocoa and sink into the depths of your arm chair. The Nutcracker is waiting on the pages for the next Marie.
"The children must have been especially well behaved that year, for they had never before received so many splendid presents. The big Christmas tree in the middle of the room was decorated with any number of gold and silver apples, and sugared almonds, bright-colored candles, and goodies of all kinds shaped like buds and blossoms hung from every branch. But the most startling thing about this wonderful tree was that hundred of tapers glittered like stars in its dark branches, and the tree itself, shining with an inner light, invited the children to pick its blossoms and fruits."
January 10, 2024
4.50 ⭐️ (rnd 🆙) — The festive season remains incomplete for many, if they are not annually indulging in the timeless tradition of delving into the accompanying literary treasure. In ballet form, it is also perennial sell-out across the globe, captivating audiences not through an archaic narrative or a typical childhood reverie — Instead, its allure lies in its proximity to the fabric of our everyday existence.
This isn't a tale of ageless enchantment; rather, it unfolds as a narrative nested within our reality. The story's authenticity emanates from its acknowledgment that life is devoid of simplistic dichotomies—it lacks a singular hero or villain and doesn't conform to a rigid moral code.
In our lives, we often take center stage in our daily dramas, yet there are moments when others cast longer shadows. The dichotomy of being the "good guy" or the "bad guy" is a perpetual oscillation, at times compressed into a single conversation. What distinguishes this work, however, is the exploration of a third dimension: the moral ambiguity that permeates our existence.
The conventional moral compass doesn't carve a linear trajectory through our lives; instead, it's a complex interplay of concurrent choices and repercussions. While we can draw upon moral lessons from literature, there's no guarantee that our actions align with an absolute right or wrong. Life, as illuminated by The Nutcracker, mirrors the nuanced tapestry of human existence, acknowledging the fluidity of our decisions and the inherent unpredictability of our journeys.
Another Christmas classic that I read 20 pages of per night leading up to Christmas, with excellent results! I actually think that alongside night before Christmas, Nutcracker might just exude the most genuinely unbridled Santa-esque Holiday spirit.
The Germans do books good, and this classic is no exception. If you haven’t got your kids or yourself into this classic, or seen the show if you’re lucky to have it in town or being done by the local community, well… get to it!!!
This isn't a tale of ageless enchantment; rather, it unfolds as a narrative nested within our reality. The story's authenticity emanates from its acknowledgment that life is devoid of simplistic dichotomies—it lacks a singular hero or villain and doesn't conform to a rigid moral code.
In our lives, we often take center stage in our daily dramas, yet there are moments when others cast longer shadows. The dichotomy of being the "good guy" or the "bad guy" is a perpetual oscillation, at times compressed into a single conversation. What distinguishes this work, however, is the exploration of a third dimension: the moral ambiguity that permeates our existence.
The conventional moral compass doesn't carve a linear trajectory through our lives; instead, it's a complex interplay of concurrent choices and repercussions. While we can draw upon moral lessons from literature, there's no guarantee that our actions align with an absolute right or wrong. Life, as illuminated by The Nutcracker, mirrors the nuanced tapestry of human existence, acknowledging the fluidity of our decisions and the inherent unpredictability of our journeys.
Another Christmas classic that I read 20 pages of per night leading up to Christmas, with excellent results! I actually think that alongside night before Christmas, Nutcracker might just exude the most genuinely unbridled Santa-esque Holiday spirit.
The Germans do books good, and this classic is no exception. If you haven’t got your kids or yourself into this classic, or seen the show if you’re lucky to have it in town or being done by the local community, well… get to it!!!
December 28, 2022
Raro el cuento
Genial las ilustraciones
Luego mejor reseña
Reseña mas completa
Yo conocia esta historia por combinacion entre alguna pelicula y el ballet.
Y creo que conocer la historia original (bueno traducida) fue algo bueno.
Me gusto esa transicion de el cuento navideño, al cuento de la ratona, a el de Pirtipalta, a la nuez, al giro del padrino y el final. Si es un poco raro, y hacia el final esta como medio apresurado.
Pero creo que fue una muy buena lectura para la temporada, y ni que decir de las ilustraciones de la edicion que lei, una maravilla.
4.4 stars
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SPOILERS
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Que si raro lo de que al final
Genial las ilustraciones
Luego mejor reseña
Reseña mas completa
Yo conocia esta historia por combinacion entre alguna pelicula y el ballet.
Y creo que conocer la historia original (bueno traducida) fue algo bueno.
Me gusto esa transicion de el cuento navideño, al cuento de la ratona, a el de Pirtipalta, a la nuez, al giro del padrino y el final. Si es un poco raro, y hacia el final esta como medio apresurado.
Pero creo que fue una muy buena lectura para la temporada, y ni que decir de las ilustraciones de la edicion que lei, una maravilla.
4.4 stars
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SPOILERS
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Que si raro lo de que al final
December 14, 2018
The original story is vastly different from the beloved ballet. I love the ballet. I've seen it many times, but I also really loved this story. I can almost imagine that the recent holiday film, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, had some basis in this original story. I've heard some people were in an uproar over the film because it's different from the ballet. Perhaps they have not read this original story? On my end, I'm always open to new interpretations of a story.
I highly recommend this. Wonderful story made even more enchanting by the fantastic illustrations of Maurice Sendak.
I highly recommend this. Wonderful story made even more enchanting by the fantastic illustrations of Maurice Sendak.
December 18, 2022
A really Christmas story! I loved the audiobook, and will definitely get the penguin version. A classical Christmas story, short and interesting
January 4, 2021
I think this is probably my favorite fairytale of all time, I love it
November 9, 2022
Like I said, weird Christmas kick. Loved the story though and will be reading to my children.
There it is and there you have it.
There it is and there you have it.
December 7, 2020
An adventurous and fantastical Christmas story filled with glittering descriptions. This particular edition shines with the addition of Maurice Sendak's illustrations (which is the main reason why I bought this book to begin with). However, it is important to note the "problematic" issues within this book, primarily the fact that all of the people who are described as most beautiful are people with milk-white skin, rose-red cheeks, blue eyes, and golden ringlets of hair. There is also a casual mention of slaves, despite also having a marketplace scene at the same time with "as many different kinds of people as there are in the world." Also typical of this time period, the prescribed gender roles were evident. Lastly is obviously the romance between the little girl Marie and the Nutcracker. While their ages were not mentioned, I'm surprised that I thought the Nutcracker was a pre-teen and Marie was like seven/eight years old but maybe I'm mistaken. Overlooking these issues based off the fact that the book was written in 1816, I'd say this was a fun wintery read. I wish Covid wasn't a thing so that I could see the Nutcracker ballet here in NYC, but alas.
November 8, 2017
***Disclaimer: I have noticed that my review is displaying not only with the book I reviewed, but also with completely different "Nutcracker" books (which has yet to be corrected by Goodreads, although I have made the request). So, I want to make it clear that my review is of the version of the Nutcracker that is illustrated by Maurice Sendak, and is quite different in text also to other versions of the story.
My review should not be considered a review of any other version of the "Nutcracker" story than the one actually read and reviewed.
I don't know why Goodreads would insist upon listing many different versions of this old and classic tale as though they were all exactly the same book, and exactly the same story, but they are quite incorrect.***
The best version of "The Nutcracker" ever. Movie version is "Nutcracker: The Motion Picture" (NOT the version with Macauley Caulkin), The Pacific Northwest Ballet, set and costumes designed by Maurice Sendak. Beautiful and magical. Only available now used on VHS - which is a shame.
My review should not be considered a review of any other version of the "Nutcracker" story than the one actually read and reviewed.
I don't know why Goodreads would insist upon listing many different versions of this old and classic tale as though they were all exactly the same book, and exactly the same story, but they are quite incorrect.***
The best version of "The Nutcracker" ever. Movie version is "Nutcracker: The Motion Picture" (NOT the version with Macauley Caulkin), The Pacific Northwest Ballet, set and costumes designed by Maurice Sendak. Beautiful and magical. Only available now used on VHS - which is a shame.
November 9, 2018
I definitely enjoyed this story but I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style. I never really have been super familiar with the story of the Nutcracker, so it was really interesting reading how it all came about. The first 75% is really pretty dark and the end is light and fun. I picked it up after seeing the new Nutcracker movie by Disney (I liked the movie better) and it was a quick and fun read.
December 19, 2018
The illustrations were great but the story just couldn’t hold my interest. I think I prefer the ballet!
January 10, 2025
A classic about a young girl who believes that her nutcracker is alive after seeing a battle between him, the hussars, and the Mouse King. Nobody believes that it is all real, until they do and she has to save his life.
The story is short, but fun, and it's almost completely different from the ballet since this is the original story and the ballet is based on the story by Alexandre Dumas. Hoffmann's work fits within the magical realism genre since he takes the real world and adds the magical elements to it, instead of creating whole new worlds filled with magic, and it can be hard to distinguish what is real and what is made up, and this story truly feels like it. Of course you know what can't exist, and you know that even in stories there are limits, but it's hard to find these limits within the book, and you're often wondering what is really happening and what is just a dream.
I enjoyed it, and will be reading The Nutcracker of Nuremberg - Illustrated with Silhouettes Cut by Else Hasselriis now.
Spoiler ahead
The story is short, but fun, and it's almost completely different from the ballet since this is the original story and the ballet is based on the story by Alexandre Dumas. Hoffmann's work fits within the magical realism genre since he takes the real world and adds the magical elements to it, instead of creating whole new worlds filled with magic, and it can be hard to distinguish what is real and what is made up, and this story truly feels like it. Of course you know what can't exist, and you know that even in stories there are limits, but it's hard to find these limits within the book, and you're often wondering what is really happening and what is just a dream.
I enjoyed it, and will be reading The Nutcracker of Nuremberg - Illustrated with Silhouettes Cut by Else Hasselriis now.
Spoiler ahead
December 9, 2024
The most magnificent Christmas fairy tale. Delightful. We read it aloud beside the Christmas tree and absolutely lived the battle scenes. I'd recommend for young and old alike!
November 8, 2013
In 1984, Maurice Sendak was asked to illustrate the Nutcracker, written in 1816 by E .T. A. Hoffman. Sendak, the famous illustrator/writer of Where the Wild Things Are, later enhanced his original set drawings for the book version of the story. Out of print for many years, Sendak's Nutcracker has been re-issued, sadly, the same year, Sendak passed away (May 2012).
The illustrations are delightful and reminiscent of other works by Sendak, yet, retaining their own character. On one of the center pages, there is even a nod to his popular book Where the Wild Things Are - look for the head of one of the creatures peeking out.
As much as I enjoy other work by Maurice Sendak, I must admit I was somewhat disappointed with the full pages of illustrations especially those depicting Marmalade Grove. The author provides so much beautiful imagery to capture the imagination, yet I found the colors in this book to be dark and grey. I felt they lacked whimsy and wonder and failed to capture the “beauty and splendor.”
According to articles written about Sendak it is said "he saw in book illustration the opportunity to expand the imaginary world of the reader. While many illustrators had concentrated on clarifying the images in the text, Sendak believed that an illustration should add to the mystery of the work. His oddly grotesque characters seemed strangely inviting in their imperfections. Unlike much of the Disney cartoons and the illustration that followed it, Sendak’s artistic imagery brought a self-conscious attention to its origin and its maker."
A wonderful story, the illustrations still add something to the magic and wonder. A must have for Maurice Sendak fans.
More Info
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
For further readings on Maurice Sendak, see links below.
http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/f...
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmaste...
The illustrations are delightful and reminiscent of other works by Sendak, yet, retaining their own character. On one of the center pages, there is even a nod to his popular book Where the Wild Things Are - look for the head of one of the creatures peeking out.
As much as I enjoy other work by Maurice Sendak, I must admit I was somewhat disappointed with the full pages of illustrations especially those depicting Marmalade Grove. The author provides so much beautiful imagery to capture the imagination, yet I found the colors in this book to be dark and grey. I felt they lacked whimsy and wonder and failed to capture the “beauty and splendor.”
According to articles written about Sendak it is said "he saw in book illustration the opportunity to expand the imaginary world of the reader. While many illustrators had concentrated on clarifying the images in the text, Sendak believed that an illustration should add to the mystery of the work. His oddly grotesque characters seemed strangely inviting in their imperfections. Unlike much of the Disney cartoons and the illustration that followed it, Sendak’s artistic imagery brought a self-conscious attention to its origin and its maker."
A wonderful story, the illustrations still add something to the magic and wonder. A must have for Maurice Sendak fans.
More Info
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
For further readings on Maurice Sendak, see links below.
http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/f...
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmaste...
January 31, 2019
First, note that this story is not politically correct! It was written in the early 1800's and the Grand Mogul (representing the ruler of India) has slaves! I don't think the author is trying to editorialize here - it probably just seemed natural to him for the Grand Mogul to have slaves. But bear in mind that you may have to explain this to little ones. Also note that the Christ-Child takes the place of Santa Claus bringing presents to good children. Aside from that, this story says that Christmas is really about kindness and enjoying yourself with good people. The pure and innocent in heart can see the beauty in another person that others cannot. I'm all in favor of that. Readers also ought to know that this is really Hoffmann's story first, and Sendak's illustrations second. The illustrations are generally very good, but unfortunately they don't always depict what the story says, which can be distracting. If you can overlook that, this is certainly one of the most worthwhile Christmas stories, and probably the best English translation of Nutcracker you can get. To Hoffmann, being true to the evidence of your own eyes is more important than following rules. Sendak's notes about the Pacific Northwest Theater's ballet adaptation are fascinating too.
November 25, 2012
The Nutcracker is a book to treasure with the whole family. If you are wanting to start a new tradition or continue an old one then you should make sure that The Nutcracker is one of those traditions. This is a classic book. With a great story and breathtaking illustrations.
I definitely was cheering for the nutcracker. He was the silent hero and good guy that won. In this book the mouse king and his army were scary. This was with help from the illustrations. I have not had the pleasure of seeing a live performance of the nutcracker by the ballet but from what I have heard it is wonderful. I can see how the ballet could put a production of this story into a live performance. As again it was due to both the author and the illustrator. What I also enjoyed about this book was reading about the story of how the nutcracker became who he was and the battle that he and Marie fought against the mouse king.
I definitely was cheering for the nutcracker. He was the silent hero and good guy that won. In this book the mouse king and his army were scary. This was with help from the illustrations. I have not had the pleasure of seeing a live performance of the nutcracker by the ballet but from what I have heard it is wonderful. I can see how the ballet could put a production of this story into a live performance. As again it was due to both the author and the illustrator. What I also enjoyed about this book was reading about the story of how the nutcracker became who he was and the battle that he and Marie fought against the mouse king.
December 16, 2022
Having lived in Seattle for the last 40 years, I have been lucky enough to see the Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker Ballet a couple times. But I’ve never read the whole story, which I found a delightful fairytale. Sendak’s drawing are wonderful as is his introduction. This is a great story to read every Christmas.
October 27, 2018
This was an unexpectedly humourous read! Many reviews here describe it as “eerie” or “spooky”, which is certainly was at times, but I think of it mostly in terms of how funny it was.
It’s very Christmas-y, so it’s a bit early for this one, but it’s a quick and fun read for that time of year.
It’s very Christmas-y, so it’s a bit early for this one, but it’s a quick and fun read for that time of year.
July 17, 2014
There's a toy army battling a Mouse King. Okay, so it's just a dream, but I love it.
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