Abby McGanney Nolan
Susan Jeffers's version of The Nutcracker is not a full translation of the original, but its precise and pretty watercolors, semi-traditional treatment and spare text make it a wonderful introduction for young children.
—The Washington Post
Publishers Weekly
Jeffers (Brother Eagle, Sister Sky) raises the curtain on an energetic and child-friendly distillation of the Nutcrackerballet (as opposed to the full-length E.T.A. Hoffman fairy tale). Here ballerinas in an array of tutus pirouette and waltz through the magical elements of that tale, familiar to many young dance students. Jeffers's soft watercolors, adopting a range of perspectives, capture both the drama of the classic story and the elegance of choreography, in a volume likely to leave youngsters longing to attend a live performance. Ages 3-8. (Oct.)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
School Library Journal
Jeffers (Brother Eagle, Sister Sky) raises the curtain on an energetic and child-friendly distillation of the Nutcrackerballet (as opposed to the full-length E.T.A. Hoffman fairy tale). Here ballerinas in an array of tutus pirouette and waltz through the magical elements of that tale, familiar to many young dance students. Jeffers's soft watercolors, adopting a range of perspectives, capture both the drama of the classic story and the elegance of choreography, in a volume likely to leave youngsters longing to attend a live performance. Ages 3-8. (Oct.)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
Kirkus Reviews
Jeffers puts her immediately recognizable style to fine use in her illustrations of the story from the beloved holiday ballet. The oversized cover of this beautifully designed edition is filled with a compelling, close-up portrait of Marie as she holds her Nutcracker close, with the title in metallic gold letters partially covered by Marie's flowing golden tresses. The illustrations closely follow the plot of the ballet, with the familiar progression of the party scene full of swirling skirts and the appearance of the Nutcracker, the battle scene with the defeat of the Mouse King and the journey to the magical Land of Sweets, filled with scenes of dancers in minty pastels and jeweled accents. An author's note offers information about the history of the ballet and the approach Jeffers followed in designing this lovely interpretation. The story is skillfully retold with just a few lines of text per page, making this an excellent introduction to the ballet for younger children. This will likely be the new standard choice for reading to little ones prior to attending a holiday performance. (Picture book. 3-8)
From the Publisher
Skillfully retold with just a few lines of text per page...an excellent introduction to the ballet for younger children.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Jeffers’ lush watercolors...will wholly satisfy families...this treatment will earn curtain calls galore.” — ALA Booklist
“Energetic and child-friendly...Jeffers’s soft watercolors...capture both the drama of the classic story and the elegance of choreography.” — Publishers Weekly
“{Jeffers’s] romantic, detail-rich illustrations are based on the Balanchine ballet...Jeffers offers a satisfying extension” — The Horn Book
The Horn Book
{Jeffers’s] romantic, detail-rich illustrations are based on the Balanchine ballet...Jeffers offers a satisfying extension
ALA Booklist
Jeffers’ lush watercolors...will wholly satisfy families...this treatment will earn curtain calls galore.
