Nut Cracker
Published on 2. October 2008
Book
Hardback
26 pages
978-0-14-138454-2 (ISBN)
Description
It is Christmas Eve and the party is over. Clara creeps downstairs to find Nutcracker, a wooden doll given to her by her mysterious godfather Drosselmeier - a creator of fabulous mechanical toys, has come to life. Through her godfather's strange powers, Clara is caught up in a thrilling battle in which she and Nutcracker - in reality a prince transformed by an evil spell - overcome the Mouse King and his army. Clara's bravery is rewarded by a trip to the magical Land of Sweets, and in the end it is her love and loyalty that lift the curse, transforming Nutcracker back into his true self, and making Clara's dreams come true.This classic love story, which inspired the popular ballet that is danced to one of Tchaikovsky's most magical scores, is wonderfully retold by David Walser, in a direct translation from the original German story.Jan Pienkowski, master of illustration, brings the story vividly to life adding his own magic with exquisite illustrations on sparkling backgrounds. The finale is a multi-layered tableau of intricate laser-cut silhouettes, created in the style of traditional German papercraft. This beautiful and sumptuous novelty book is the ultimate Christmas gift.
Reviews / Votes
'The master of dramatic silhouettes * The Times *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Penguin Random House Children's UK
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 6 to 11 years
Illustrations
seven full colour plates
Dimensions
Height: 236 mm
Width: 189 mm
Thickness: 50 mm
Weight
604 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-14-138454-2 (9780141384542)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Jan Pienkowski (Author)
Jan Pienkowski was born in Warsaw in 1936. After creating his first book at the age of eight, Jan went on to excel in his chosen field of design, working in such diverse areas as television, theatre and greetings cards. Published in 1968, A Necklace of Raindrops was the first of several wonderful collaborations between Jan and Joan Aiken - and it was also the very first book Jan illustrated. For over forty years, he has also worked on the Meg and Mog books. He has since twice won the Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration, and has created many instantly recognizable classics.
David Walser (Translator)
David Walser was born in 1937 in Singapore, where his father was serving in the R.A.F. Trapped in Indo-China by the outbreak of World War II, David Walser and his mother made a perilous escape back to England. He is a writer, translator, artist, and musician, and lives in London.
Jan Pienkowski was born in Warsaw in 1936. After creating his first book at the age of eight, Jan went on to excel in his chosen field of design, working in such diverse areas as television, theatre and greetings cards. Published in 1968, A Necklace of Raindrops was the first of several wonderful collaborations between Jan and Joan Aiken - and it was also the very first book Jan illustrated. For over forty years, he has also worked on the Meg and Mog books. He has since twice won the Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration, and has created many instantly recognizable classics.
David Walser (Translator)
David Walser was born in 1937 in Singapore, where his father was serving in the R.A.F. Trapped in Indo-China by the outbreak of World War II, David Walser and his mother made a perilous escape back to England. He is a writer, translator, artist, and musician, and lives in London.