The title really describes this retelling of the Nutcracker -- Delightful! The story was wonderful & the illustrations are beautiful.

This is a beautiful book telling the story of the Nutcracker, which is such a Christmas tradition! I think that it would also be helpful for children who are going to go watch the Nutcracker ballet for the first time, or if they are performing in it. Sometimes the story line can be a bit confusing to young ones the first time -- it really is quite a fantastical story!

That was rather delightful. I really loved the old fashioned pictures. The story really is a magical one and now it makes me want to go watch the ballet! This is a picture book, but more for advanced readers or to be read aloud to the whole family, because there are quite a lot of words for a picture book. It was a lovely, fun read.

*Netgally provided a copy*

Far too much small text for a picture book, but the illustrations are lovely.

What I loved about this retelling of The Nutcracker were the illustrations. They brightened the book and were very welcoming. I especially loved the pages filled with the varying dancers. Reading this children’s book reminded me so much of the play version and it made me smile. I especially loved that when recounting the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, it was quick and didn’t go into the gory details the original has. This makes the read more children-friendly.

There are few things I questioned here, though. Why is Godfather Drosselmeier still Godfather Drosselmeier? Are we to believe this is the same man or was his name handed down for a few generations? Also, why was the ending basically the same as the original The Nutcracker? I thought the curse of the Nutcracker was broken and he married Klara. Unless the story was insinuating the curse was never broken until now? This was confusing.

The other aspect that I think could have better was the transitioning from one scene to the next. We went from Christmas 1908, to the legend of “The Hard Nut”, to a dream sequence, then back to Christmas 1908 very abruptly. I can see the choppiness confusing children trying to decipher which is the present and which is the dream. It’ll already be difficult trying to explain the meaning of a legend and how it ties in with the story that the transition from the present to the dream sequence could be better.

Overall, this was a nicely illustrated children’s book that captures the Christmas spirit, but just needs some work with its plot flow. I would recommend this book to children (and adults) who have enjoyed The Nutcracker and would like to read another colorful version.

I am enchanted by a beautiful book cover and anything to do with Christmas, so the Delightful Secrets of the Nutcracker really made me take pause. The inside covers are just as inspiring which made me anxious to see what delights there were ahead! The illustrations in this book are magnificent and bring the story to life from cover to cover! They pull the reader into the pages and make you feel like you are there with the Stahlbaum family. My inner child lit up while reading of this charming Christmas tale!

This story is about what Christmas should be like and holds the magic of retelling stories that were passed down to each generation. The true magic of Christmas and what we should hold dear, instead of the hustle and bustle that we get caught up in. Even in this story, the matron of the family- Elise Stahlbaum, wants the house to be decorated perfectly and to rival years past for their visiting Christmas guests who are set to arrive the following day for celebrations in the Stahlbaum Family home.

“Christmas will come whether we are ready or not, and it will be a wonderful holiday, my dear,” Opa replied.

When young Marie finds the long-forgotten diary for her great-great Grandmother Klara Stahlbaum she insists that her Grandfather Opa read it to her and tell her about this Grandmother that she has never met. Opa reluctantly agrees because there is still so much to do before the guests arrive and he does not want to disappoint his daughter; however, he tells Marie that Klara always insisted on telling the story of “The Hard Nut” on Christmas Eve. This really hits home with me because we always read The Night Before Christmas at bedtime on Christmas Eve when I was little and now I continue that tradition with my own children. Like the message is conveying in the book, we should always keep to tradition and take the time to share the love these traditions have brought us by instilling them into the hearts of the next generation.

Opa continues to tell the story but adds Grandma Klara as the heroine while the rest of the family acts of the battle scene but just as the story begins to truly take flight, Marie is ushered off to bed because Christmas was coming. Opa tells Marie that she will have to hear the rest of the story another time. Marie is so taken with the story that she dreams up the next part and takes the place of her grandmother by Prince Nutcracker’s side. The two head off to the Land of Sweets and have quite the adventure of their own! Marie is woken by the door to the attic and tries to tell everyone about her own adventure, but no one wants to listen.

This seems to be the case with most children’s dreams. As adults we sometimes forget the magic of Sugar Plum Fairies dancing in our heads or the vast places that our dreams have taken us so we discredit those of our children by brushing them off.

When Christmas arrives as promised, and the story ends, there was no doubt a happy ending that all can treasure! I encourage everyone to read this book to their children and be reminded that dreams can come true and to remember the real magic of Christmas- unconditional Love!

Our Thoughts: Christmas and the Nutcracker seem to go hand in hand. My first experience with the Nutcracker was at a production of the same at the city by the bay – Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets. This is aimed towards younger audiences (at under 50 minutes play time) and was totally captivating and fun. Coming back to the book – every retelling of The Nutcracker has always charmed me, and this book is no different. Bright canvas style, Victorian-era paintings pop out of every page and seamlessly follow the storyline.

Rating: B+

Reading Level: 7 years and above

Reread Level: 4/5
Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley for providing the digital review copy of these books featured today.

This was a pretty retelling of the Nutcracker story. It focuses on Marie and her family, who are descendents of Clara, from the original story. A Christmas time reading of the Hard Nut backstory, Clara’s favorite, sets into motion some very similar events from the original tale. The illustrations focus on ballet retellings of the Fairyland scenes and events and convey the colors and textures of a cozy winter time story perfectly.

While I love the original Hoffmann version, this version is definitely a bit more on par with today’s kids lit (not that I don’t think the Hoffmann version shouldn’t also be a kids book), and is definitely an edition that dancers would enjoy.

This is a beautiful retelling of the classic Nutcracker. The illustrations are beautiful!

Overall, I was disappointed with this book. The illustrations are beautiful, but they're often set on busy background or placed as a small size on a page. From the title and description of this book, I was expecting an informational book that explains more about the beloved story. However, this book is an expanded and re imagined telling. Though original, I did not find it engaging or exciting.

That was rather delightful. I really loved the old fashioned pictures. The story really is a magical one and now it makes me want to go watch the ballet! This is a picture book, but more for advanced readers or to be read aloud to the whole family, because there are quite a lot of words for a picture book. It was a lovely, fun read.

Good story. Liked the story flow and the characters. The Nutcracker reference and story made the story. Liked the illistrations. Well done! Would recommend this book for holiday family time. Add it to your collection!

Christmas and the Nutcracker go together like peanut butter and jelly; the story is completely entrenched in our enjoyment of the season. Numerous retellings have been done in movies, books, the ballet and more as its one of the holiday’s most endearing classics.

The book reminded me so much of a 1990 Canadian animated film The Nutcracker Prince featuring the voice talents of Kiefer Sutherland as Hans (The Nutcracker), Peter O'Toole as Pantaloon and Phyllis Diller as the Mousequeen that I had to turn the DVD on to watch with my kids when we were done with the story.

Adair provides yet another sweet retelling of this age old story with beautiful illustrations that perfectly capture the Victorian era and help get you into the holiday spirit. The Nutcracker’s backstory is given for those who don’t remember it and need a refresher.

*i received this as an ARC from netgalley* I thought this was an adorable story and I really enjoyed the illustrations. I ended up reading it to my friends daughter who absolutely loved it. I can't wait until it gets closer to the holidays so we can do a re read.

*thank you to NetGalley and Concierge Marketing Inc for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

4 stars!
Simply BEAUTIFUL book! The illustrator are so well done and I just love that they have that painted look. This story is based in the Victorian Era which is my absolute favorite era to read about. It just has that magic feel to it, of warmth and comfort. This retelling of 'The Nutcracker' is a definite must read for Christmas time.

This was a delightful little tale that is perfect to get you in the Christmas spirit! The illustrations were stunning and perfectly captured aspects of the story. I especially appreciated the incorporation of the 'The Hard Nut' tale and Marie's ensuing dream. Perfect to read with children around winter time.