2001-1473 After hearing how the toy nutcracker that she and her brother received for Christmas got his ugly face, Marie helps break the spell he is under and watches him change into a handsome prince. Illustrated notes throughout the text explain the historical background of the story.

The great church's wonderful Christmas chimes had not rung for years, because no one had brought an offering for the Christ Child that was great enough to deserve the music of the chimes.

In this retelling of the original 1816 German story, a nutcracker under a terrible spell is given to young Marie as a Christmas gift, and when she helps him defeat the Mouse King, breaking the spell, he takes her to visit his kingdom.

"For the first time, this beloved holiday story is told based on George Balanchine's quintessential production. The storyline mimics the choreography of the famous ballet and the illustrations are inspired by the backdrops and scenery from the actual New York City Ballet production."--

A young girl receives a nutcracker for Christmas and, after learning how he got his ugly face, helps break a spell and change him into a handsome prince.

One cold and frosty Christmas Eve night, the Stahlbaum house shone festive and bright. This traditional Christmas story is retold in verse and beautifully illustrated, capturing the magic, and excitement of Christmas Eve.