Monday, December 24, 2012

The Monday Mention: Nutcracker by E.T.A Hoffman

The Nutcracker  has long been part of  my family's holiday tradition. All three girls danced in local productions when they were younger and we often attended the professional ballet, too. As a result, our collection of Nutcracker  memorabilia - ornaments, books, and figurines - has grown over the years. We enjoy reliving the memories each year as we unpack these precious treasures.




Today I'm pleased to share with you the newest addition to our collection, courtesy of the lovely people at Crown.  But beware, E.T.A. Hoffann's Nutcracker, with pictures by the legendary Maurice Sendak, is not the ballet of our childhoods. This is a slightly darker version of the tale based on Hoffmann's 1816 extended short story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King".

As with any children's book, the pictures really matter most to me and Sendak, as always, perfectly captures the mood with his brilliant illustrations. This book may not be suitable for very young children, but should appeal to the older elementary crowd.




10 comments:

  1. Hi JoAnn, just wanted to pop in to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

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  2. Happy Holidays and best wishes for a wonderful 2013!

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  3. The Nutcracker was a part of my family's Christmas traditions when I was growing up. My sister danced in local productions of the ballet and then a semi-professional Eglevsky Ballet performance one year so attending the big performance at Lincoln Center became a part of holiday tradition for many years. It's a thrilling experience for little girls!
    Thank you for previewing this book. I think the darker side of the story appeals to the adult me and I love Maurice Sendak's illustrations.

    Merry Christmas to you and your family, JoAnn!

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    1. Amy - One of my daughters saw the performance at Lincoln Center for the first time this year. What a wonderful experience! Hope you had a very Merry Christmas :-)

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  4. Beautiful memorabilia. Have a Merry Christmas JoAnn, you and yours, and a wonderful New Year!

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    1. Thanks, Arti. Hope your family had a very Merry Christmas!

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  5. I loved that book. Merry Christmas to you, JoAnn.

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    1. Beth F - Even though darker than the ballet, it is a beautifully illustrated edition.

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