Kladstrup, Kristin. The
Nutcracker Mice. Candlewick Press 2017 316p $17.99 ISBN 978-0-7636-8519-5 elem/ms
Fantasy VG-BN
Taking the story of The
Nutcracker in a new direction, this is a delightful story. Behind the walls of
Saint Petersburg’s famous theater there lives a community of mice who perform
the classic ballets while humans perform on stage. Young Esmeralda has finally
earned the role of Clara in the ballet but is dismayed to learn that mice are
portrayed as villains in the ballet. With help from her brother, she slightly
rewrites the story, putting mice in a more favorable light. Another issue with the mice is that their
audience is dwindling. Mice would rather
watch the costumed humans than the bare mouse ballet. Esmeralda is befriended by Irina, daughter of
the chief custodian and costume mother. Irina understands that the theater mice
are special and lets Esmeralda use her doll costumes to outfit the mice cast
and save the production.
This is an inventive way to tell the story of The Nutcracker to a middle-grade audience. This story involves friendship, compassion, adventure and excitement. Both boys and girls can enjoy this story because there are daring escapes, thrilling escapades, and suspense.
This is an inventive way to tell the story of The Nutcracker to a middle-grade audience. This story involves friendship, compassion, adventure and excitement. Both boys and girls can enjoy this story because there are daring escapes, thrilling escapades, and suspense.
Summary: Story of The
Nutcracker performed by mice living in the walls of the opera house in St.
Petersburg in the 1800’s. Very cute story of mouse ballerinas and their passion
for dance. Grades 3-7
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