The Nutcracker performance is a holiday tradition around the world! The music was written by Tchaikovsky and several amazing artists over time have developed the beautiful dances. These are my top 10 Nutcracker books for kids when I introduce the ballet to my kiddos.
This book list provides engaging versions of The Nutcracker story, how to become a ballerina in The Nutcracker, behind the scenes of the show, and more! Add these books to your holiday book pile and enjoy!

The Nutcracker Comes to America
Follow the Christianson brothers as they seek to bring the whole Nutcracker ballet to life in America in the midst of World War II. Will the show be a success?

Experience the original tale of The Nutcracker written by E. T. A. Hoffmann in 1816, the inspiration for Tchaikovsky’s beautiful, holiday ballet.

Clara saves the toys from the hands of the evil mouse king and his army. How will the toys ever repay her? Read the traditional Nutcracker story with beautiful illustrations this Christmas season!

Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite
Join Duke Ellington as he works tirelessly to transform Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite into a jazzed up, New York style, Christmas favorite!

The Nutcracker is a beautiful and iconic Christmas production, but have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to make it happen? In this book, meet the composer, choreographer, costumers, dancers, and more!

Each year, The Nutcracker is performed by thousands of dancers in theaters around the world. But what does it take to become a ballerina in the show? Follow the dancers as they prepare for their Christmas debut!

Follow Marie as she learns to play the Nutcracker’s drum, saves the toys from the mouse general, and wakes up to a beautiful Christmas morning filled with family and music!

The beautiful illustration’s of Jan Brett’s Nutcracker will leave you excited to see the Nutcracker show in person! Follow Clara as she joins the Nutcracker in the fight for the lives of the toys!

The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker
Enjoy The Nutcracker with both reading and music! As you turn each page, push the button to hear a piece of The Nutcracker ballet!

Hidden in a small theater in Russia, the Russian Mouse Ballet Company prepares for their upcoming Christmas performance. But rumors of a rodent extermination threaten the show. Will the mice be saved? Will the show go on? Enjoy this thrilling chapter book this Christmas season!
I hope that the books on this list help you and your kiddos fall in love with this beautiful holiday tradition and appreciate all of the artist who make the Nutcracker into what we know today!
Click the links for easy shopping or take this list with you to the local library as a tool to help you remember the books you are looking for.
Merry Christmas!
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