Bea in the Nutcracker

Rachel Isadora (www.rachelisadora.com), a former dancer, received a Caldecott Honor for Ben s Trumpet. She has written and illustrated numerous other books for children, including Bea at Ballet, Jake at Gymnastics, Say Hello!, Peekaboo Bedtime, the Lili at Ballet series, and several classic tales set in Africa (including Old Mikamba Had a Farm, There Was a Tree, The Night Before Christmas, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, and The Princess and the Pea). She lives in New York City.

A charming and accessible introduction to the beloved holiday classic. . . . The ballet s plot is skillfully summarized . . . even young preschoolers will easily comprehend. . . . Conveys the magical aspects of the beloved holiday ballet in an easy, straightforward way that will prepare first-time attendees for a holiday performance. There are many attractive picture-book versions of The Nutcracker available, but this is by far the simplest interpretation in print. A sugarplum-sweet treat. Kirkus Reviews

Young readers interested in ballet will be captivated by this story, which encapsulates the timeless appeal of dance and performance. Large amounts of white space and simple line drawings leave the pages uncluttered, contrasting nicely with the bright, candy-colored hues of cut-paper collage that bring high visual interest. By embedding the plot of The Nutcracker in the larger story, the book celebrates the world of performing arts while introducing young readers to the classic holiday story. Booklist

This companion to Bea at Ballet tells the story of The Nutcracker for the youngest audience. Readers share in the excitement as little Bea and her friends (a refreshingly multiracial cast) put on a delightful performance of the ballet. There is just enough information for preschool age children to understand the story, and the illustrations line drawings with splashes of color add to the charm and age-appropriate presentation. This is a standout in the crowded field of Nutcracker picture books. School Library Journal

Bea and her diverse group of classmates put on an all-little-kid rendition of the famous Christmas ballet, gently introducing listeners to a simplified version of its story while providing a warmly humorous glimpse of life on the stage. The Horn Book