The Nutcracker: An Enchanting Pop-up Classic

By Author / Illustrator

Steve Patschke, Zanna Goldhawk

Genre

Fairy Tales & Folk Tales

Age range(s)

Publisher

Templar Publishing

ISBN

9781800783614

Format

Hardback

Published

12-10-2023

Synopsis

A magical pop-up edition of The Nutcracker. "He was dressed in a handsome red jacket lined down the front with white loops and brass buttons. His painted eyes sparkled a brilliant green, while a kind, good-natured smile hid beneath a snowy cotton beard."

When Marie is given a nutcracker on Christmas Eve, she immediately loves it. Little does she realise that, when night falls, the Nutcracker will defend her from the monstrous Mouse King and whisk her away to a fantastical kingdom. A much-loved fairy tale of defiance, loyalty and wonder. E. T. A. Hoffmann's classic tale is brought to life with intricate artwork and inventive pop-ups!

Reviews

This beautiful book brings to life the traditional tale of The Nutcracker through detailed, intricate artwork in a pop-up format. It's Christmas Eve, Clara's Godfather gifts her a Nutcracker and she loves it! That night, mysterious magic happens and Clara shrinks to the size of her gift. She travels, with the Nutcracker, on a marvellous journey; through a battle with the Mouse King, across sparkling water on a boat made of shells, pulled by two golden dolphins, on to the Land of Sweets and finally to the Nutcracker's palace. As the clouds here shrink away to leave her small white pillow, Clara hopes that one day she will return to The Land of Sweets and live together with the Nutcracker, forever.

Great detail and description flows through this book, both in the text and the illustrations. This is a lovely, timeless tale to share with children, exploring wonder, loyalty and traditional values. A must have for the festive season, with the added bonus of it being a pop-up story!

12 pages / Reviewed by Maria Faithorn, teacher