Mary Engelbreit’s delightful interpretation of the timeless Christmas story makes this Nutcracker truly beautiful to behold.  Marie, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy will enchant readers in this freshly imagined holiday classic by New York Times bestseller Mary Engelbreit, now in paper-over-board format for the first time. On Christmas Eve, Marie receives a wooden nutcracker from her beloved uncle. Then something magical happens . . . her toy nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince and whisks Marie off to the fantastical Toyland on a winter adventure she’ll never forget. This retelling of a beloved holiday tradition is perfect for sharing. Classic Christmas Story: Introduce children to the timeless tale of Marie, her Nutcracker Prince, and their enchanting journey to Toyland. - Whimsical Illustrations: Every page is a feast for the eyes, rendered in Mary Engelbreit’s iconic and joyful art style. - Magical Adventure: Join Marie as her new toy comes to life, defeats the fierce Mouse King, and reveals his true identity. - Family Read Aloud: A wonderful new tradition to share with family, this picture book is a perfect bedtime story for a cozy winter night. Engelbreit extends her collection of traditional children’s stories with this retelling of the Christmas classic, which blends well with the artist’s signature style of highly ornamented illustrations bursting with bows, candies and fantasy flowers, along with charming, smiling characters. Engelbreit’s many fans will find this a garden of Christmas delights. - Kirkus Reviews Sweetness abounds in Engelbreit’s condensed version of this holiday tale, modeled on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 story THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING. Featuring candy cane borders and an array of confections, the author’s signature vivid, pictures give the story a setting evocative of the 1920s. Engelbreit fans will devour this eagerly. - Publishers Weekly The retelling is faithful to Hoffman’s classic story, and the illustrations are in Engelbreit’s familiar colorful, rounded, sentimental style. - School Library Journal It is the night before Christmas! When Marie receives a handsome wooden Nutcracker from her dear uncle, she's thrilled. But under the richly decorated tree that night, something magical happens . . . and when her toy Nutcracker transforms into a handsome Prince, Marie is whisked off to Toyland for a winter adventure she'll never forget! The Nutcracker is one of the world's favorite holiday stories, and Mary Engelbreit offers her vision of that joyful night, creating a picture book filled with movement and vibrant detail that even the youngest child will enjoy. Mary Engelbreit grew up studying the illustrations in the vintage storybooks of her mother’s own childhood, and she developed a unique style that harkens back to those simpler times. She has authored and illustrated several New York Times bestselling titles, including The Night Before Christmas , Mary Engelbreit’s Mother Goose , and Mary Engelbreit’s A Merry Little Christmas . Mary’s distinctive images have made her a celebrity to millions. Her designs can be found on gift items, calendars, books, fabrics, and more.