It is Christmas Eve & 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 godfathers strange powers Clara is caught up in a thrilling battle in which she & Nutcracker
- in reality a prince transformed by an evil spell
- overcome the Mouse King & his army. Claras bravery is rewarded by a trip to the magical Land of Sweets & in the end it is her love & loyalty that lift the curse transforming Nutcracker back into his true self & making Claras dreams come true. This classic love story which inspired the popular ballet that is danced to one of Tchaikovskys 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 & sumptuous novelty book is the ultimate Christmas gift.