An exquisite retelling of tchaikovsky’s ballet using an entirely new pop-up technique featuring dazzling laser-cut illustrations

The magic of tchaikovsky’s ballet the nutcracker comes to life in this theatrical pop-up book created by papercut artist Shobhna Patel, whose delicate laser-cut pop-ups will enchant readers young and old. Patel has invented a new paper-engineering technique called the “paperscope,” which is used for the first time in this charming book.

The classic story begins on Christmas eve when a little girl named Clara and her brother fritz are gathered around the Christmas tree to celebrate with family and friends. Their mysterious uncle, drosselmeyer the toy maker, gives Clara a beautiful wooden nutcracker who magically comes to life when the clock strikes midnight. So begins an enchanting adventure featuring all of tchaikovsky’s original characters: the soldier mice, the sugar plum fairy, and of course a handsome prince.

The nutcracker is made all the more extraordinary by patel’s intricate laser-cut illustrations. The book features four pop-up paperscopes that spring to life when the reader presses each paperscope down with their hand to reveal the scene hidden within. The effect is one of a magical series of stage sets, recalling the story’s origins as a ballet. Illustrated in color throughout.

Author: Shobhna Patel
Age range: 3 - 5 years
Grade level: Preschool - 7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Thames & Hudson; 1 edition (November 21, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0500651248
ISBN-13: 978-0500651247
Product dimensions: 12.1 x 0.6 x 6.9 inches
Shipping weight: 13.4 ounces