The Night Before the Nutcracker

September 1, 2022
See The Nutcracker from the best seats in the house and from behind the curtains. Modeled after Clement C. Moore's "A Visit From St. Nicholas," this book, created in partnership with the American Ballet Theatre, takes readers through the process of mounting the beloved show, with special attention paid to the youngest dancers. There are no dreams of sugarplums the night before the opening performance. Instead, these racially diverse young ones are restless, reliving the preparations that brought them to this point. First there were tense auditions, and then they learned and practiced the poses and steps before even beginning rehearsals and run-throughs with the professional adult dancers. Costumes were constructed and fitted, and the performers had their dress rehearsal. When the big day arrives, schoolwork must be done, and the dancers must warm up, don costumes, apply makeup, and have their hair styled. Finally, there are last family hugs and encouraging good wishes, and a stagehand calls out, "Places!" Allman now directs attention to the stage as readers experience the entire magical tale of The Nutcracker, followed by bows, cheers, and celebrations. Tonight, the children dream of all the fun to come in the next performances. Swaney's illustrations spread across the pages, often showing the action in multiple spaces, depicting the grueling hard work to achieve perfection in line and movement and the utter joy of the dance. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Young balletomanes will clamor to attend a live performance or perhaps aspire to dance themselves. (scene-by-scene summary of the ballet) (Picture book. 4-10)

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September 12, 2022
In this performance-based picture book published in partnership with the American Ballet Theatre, Allman views the Christmas ballet classic through the lens of the young ballet students dancing it. Embracing gentle parody (“ ’Twas the night before The Nutcracker and, sleepless in their beds,/ these budding ballet dancers are rehearsing in their heads”), the rhyming lines revisit the kids’ process—including auditions, costume fittings, and dress rehearsals—“till the burst of joy and jitters/ when a stagehand hollers ‘Places!’ ” During the Nutcracker recounting that follows, Swaney shows the troupe of dancers, portrayed in a range of skin tones and with doll-like features, as a tapestry of costumes and gestures. Interest peaks as backstage scenes show stagehands sweeping the snow away and Mother Ginger, standing on stilts, hiding children beneath voluminous skirts. It’s a double bill, introducing both the traditional story and the experiences of its child dancers. Costume illustrations from a 2010 performance conclude. Ages 3–7.

September 2, 2022

PreS-Gr 3-This picture book collaboration with the American Ballet Theatre serves as an introduction to and celebration of the classic holiday ballet. In rhymed couplets, a group of ballet students makes their stage debut alongside a professional company. True to tradition, the young dancers have special roles in the ballet. Backstage preparations lead to curtain time, followed by a light-handed overview of the ballet's characters and plot, with mentions of the stagecraft that brings them to life. Illustrations are charmingly detailed, featuring dancers and children of multiple skin tones. The softly candy-colored palette helps conjure the magical Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and sparkly snowflakes sprinkled throughout the pages add to the wintertime whimsy. Though "The Nutcracker" is well known as a Christmas ballet, the book makes little mention of the holiday specifically. Brief back matter presents the ballet's artistic credits and a summary of each scene, plus renderings of selected costumes. This title is perfect for sharing with young audience members preparing to see the ballet for the first time, or for those wishing to imagine the wonder from home. VERDICT Recommended for holiday collections, or for enjoyment year-round where "Angelina Ballerina" and other ballet-themed picture books are popular. -Shannon Titas

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2022
Preschool-Grade 3 This lovely picture book features a group of children who are about to dance in The Nutcracker ballet. Lying in their beds the night before opening night, the young dancers recall their auditions, practice sessions, and rehearsals. Practicing their roles mentally while the music plays in their heads, they look forward to tomorrow evening: after entering through the stage door, they'll don their beautifully constructed costumes and take their places on stage as the orchestra begins playing Tchaikovsky's music. The children imagine dancing each scene under bright stage lights and, after the show, celebrating together before going home to sleep and prepare for the next performance. An appended double-page spread details the action in each scene, creating a helpful synopsis of the ballet. The verse text rolls along smoothly in a series of well-worded rhymed couplets. Using color sparingly but effectively, the illustrator creates a sense of music within the scenes and even reveals a backstage secret (the stilts under Mother Ginger's skirt). An appealing introduction to the ballet, presented by American Ballet Theatre.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2022
Presented by American Ballet Theatre. A Clement C. Moore-inspired text and lively illustrations offer a tantalizing look at the before, during, and after of "tomorrow's opening night" for four young dancers. From auditions to learning the steps, from "rehearsals...with the pros" to backstage jitters, before finally: "Tchaikovsky's music sets a mood of jolly jubilation." The seven ensuing double-page spreads provide front-row seats to the performance, including a glimpse behind the scenes during intermission. A story synopsis and original costume illustrations from the ABT's 2010 world premiere of the ballet end this engaging look at the seasonal staple. Kitty Flynn

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2022
Presented by American Ballet Theatre. A Clement C. Moore-inspired text and lively illustrations offer a tantalizing look at the before, during, and after of "tomorrow's opening night" for four young dancers. From auditions to learning the steps, from "rehearsals...with the pros" to backstage jitters, before finally: "Tchaikovsky's music sets a mood of jolly jubilation." The seven ensuing double-page spreads provide front-row seats to the performance, including a glimpse behind the scenes during intermission. A story synopsis and original costume illustrations from the ABT's 2010 world premiere of the ballet end this engaging look at the seasonal staple.

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)