NUTCRACKER by E.T.A. Hoffmann Review & Giveaway

NUTCRACKER by E.T.A. Hoffmann, Illustrated by Maurice Sendak, and Translated by Ralph Manheim, reissued a few months following Sendak’s death and on the 50th anniversary of Where the Wild Things Are, is a lush and beautifully illustrated edition that serves as a wonderful tribute to his life at a time when his legions of fans worldwide are honoring his legacy and ballets are performing their own versions of this timeless classic. Called “a classic, new and complete” by the New York Times Book Review, Sendak’s NUTCRACKER (On Sale October 30, 2012) brings to life E.T.A. Hoffmann’s mysterious world with his extraordinary illustrations, and this stunning reissue will be published just in time for the holidays

The Nutcracker is a beautifully bound book with intricate and vivid illustrations that probably held more of my attention than the story but that's not to say the story was lacking in any way.  It wasn't.  E.T. Hoffmann retails the age-old story of the Nutcracker.  A little girl receives a nutcracker for Christmas, and the story centers on her and the Nutcracker.  There is some violence, but it pales in comparison to the fantasy element and the humor.

It is a longish book for a child, just over a hundred pages.  I would suggest reading it over several nights before Christmas, and like I said, the illustrations are really impressive.  Much like the ballet, the Nutcracker has several Acts and that's how the story is told.  You could easily do one act a night, spanning three nights.  This is a larger book, beautifully bound and illustrated and would make a wonderful gift or an addition to your own holidays. It's enchanting, magical and the story is brought to life right before your eyes! I loved it!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

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