Series: Pictureback(R)
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; Reissue edition (September 1986)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0394881788
ISBN-13: 978-0394881782
Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.1 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #50,515 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #57 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Music & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance #156 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Christmas #307 in Books > Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Sleep
Age Range: 3 - 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 2
Although many versions of the ballet call the girl Clara, she is called Marie Stahlbaum in the original E.T.A. Hoffmann story and in some versions of the ballet. This retelling is lovely. The name "Marie" is not incorrect; it just refers back to an earlier version of the story.
I was in first grade in the late 80's and we were doing a unit on the nutcracker. We went to go see the play and did a lot of music, art and english activities related to it. I was enjoying it so much that my mom bought me a copy of this book, same cover and all. I really loved the illustrations in it, from the christmas decorations to the land of sweets to all the snow. I've misplaced my copy but if I ever do find it it's a keeper!
In reference to the next review, Marie and Clara are not the same character. Marie is the little girl, and Clara is her doll.
Perfect for my 4 year old to get ready to go see the ballet - she knew the whole story at the ballet!
I use this book for my students in the years that we take a field trip to see the Nutcracker Ballet. It tells the story and also is part of the Reading Renaissance program in that students in our district can take a test on the book after they have read it and get points for it. Anytime we read a book on a subject, I make it an AR book as students are supposed to have a certain number of points for each 9 week period of time. This book fits the bill!
This is a fine book for following the basic Nutcracker story. I would say it is geared for small children, but anyone who wants to know the story can enjoy it. The illustrations are also sweet. For the price this is quite all right. It is more like a big booklet than an actual book, and I am sure there are more elaborate versions out there. You can also read the story on Wikipedia or at the web sites of many ballet companies. If you want a book this is not a bad option.
My great nephew was entranced with a live production of this ballent, and I bought this book and a cd of the musical score for him to extend his pleasure. He absolutely loves to listen to the music while looking at the illustrations, and asks to bring the book and the music along on car rides. Children who can read at a third or fourth grade level should be able to read the text independently. The illustrations are a colorful reminder of the costumes and choreography.
I wanted my niece to know about the Nutcracker Ballet and this was an excellent choice. She speaks mostly Spanish, so this was for her to learn about the Ballet and reading English.
The Story of the Nutcracker Ballet (Pictureback(R)) Nutcracker Ballet Coloring Book (Dover Holiday Coloring Book) The Nutcracker Story Book Set and Advent Calendar The Story of the Nutcracker Coloring Book (Dover Classic Stories Coloring Book) Becoming a Ballerina: A Nutcracker Story The Nutcracker Backstage: The Story and the Magic Ballet Beautiful: Transform Your Body and Gain the Strength, Grace, and Focus of a Ballet Dancer The Secret of the Ballet Book: (Kids Fantasy Books, Ballerina Fiction) (Kids Mystery, Girls Books Ages 9-12, Ballet Stories, Dance Books, Kids Books, Kids Fantasy Books Ages 9-12) Inside Ballet Technique: Separating Anatomical Fact from Fiction in the Ballet Class The Ballet Companion: A Dancer's Guide to the Technique, Traditions, and Joys of Ballet Ballet 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving the Ballet Raising the Barre: Big Dreams, False Starts, and My Midlife Quest to Dance the Nutcracker Nutcracker Sticker Activity Book (Dover Little Activity Books Stickers) Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite The Nutcracker (Little Golden Book) Cherry Lane The Nutcracker Clarinet Book/CD Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite in Full Score (Dover Music Scores) The Snazzy Jazzy Nutcracker: Hot, Hot, Hot in 1929! The Nutcracker Suite for the Piano, Op. 71a (Library Vol. 1447) Tallulah's Nutcracker