The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Pages: 48

Ages: 5-9

Publication: Already Available

Illustrated by: Gail De Marcken

E.T.A. Hoffman's classic story becomes highly visible when Gail DeMarcken illustrates it.  In the story an enchanted doll makes toys come to life after midnight and DeMarcken captures the adventures of one little girl in vivid snapshots of fantasy.

The illustrations in this book are yet another good example of how to bring to life such a fanciful story.  DeMarcken uses bright colors and the look of a snug, candlelit room to create a feeling of warmth and safety at the beginning of the book.  However, when the lights go out, the colors change to the vivid strangeness of dreams and fantasy.  Each picture is detailed and captures so much more of the imagination than just reading the story.  

This is what a picture book should be.

Rating: 5 Pages