I received this book in exchange for a review. Inside the post is my affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage from the items you purchase.
I know it’s Halloween today, and I can already hear some of you saying, “Glenda, one holiday at a time!” I promise I’m not forgetting Halloween. But sometimes Christmas has a way of sneaking into my thoughts when I least expect it especially this morning when Charlie is out of Town and David is working.
I was sitting at my desk when I happened to look over and spot a beautiful red-and-white book. The cover reminded me of a candy cane, which immediately took my thoughts to Christmas, my favorite time of year. Naturally, I had to pick it up because my foot will not allow me to do anything else this morning.
Once I opened it, I found myself getting caught up in the story. Before I knew it, I couldn’t wait to share it with all of you! Today, I want to introduce you to The Woodland Nutcracker: A Picture Book (A Woodland Ballet Book) by Faith Pray. And can we take a minute to appreciate that author’s name? Faith Pray! I absolutely love it. Could you imagine having a name like that?
The first thing I noticed was the beautiful red-and-white binding that reminded me of a candy cane. Then there’s the adorable little woodland character holding a Nutcracker doll. She’s dressed like a ballerina in a beautiful pink-and-white dress, complete with pink bows. Her ballet slippers are just precious!
The cover is decorated with little candy canes, holly, a star, and what looks like a Christmas ornament. Everything about it makes me want to stop what I’m doing, grab a cup of something warm, and settle in for a Christmas story. When I turned the book over, the description promised an enchanting journey filled with dance, dreams, and holiday magic. Well, you know I was already hooked!
Clara and her family are throwing a splendid woodland party filled with music, dancing, and a beautiful Christmas tree. OMG! I want to see that Christmas tree. How about you? When the big clock strikes, chime, chime, Uncle Drosselmeyer isn’t that a funny name arrives with a Nutcracker doll for Clara. Isn’t that amazing?
But once the guests go home and the lights turn low, something magical begins. The branches sway, the tinsel twinkles, and suddenly the Christmas tree seems to be growing! The adventure takes Clara and her Nutcracker into a world of woodland magic, where they encounter the Mouse King, travel through the Land of Snowflakes, and discover the Kingdom of Sweets. And that’s where I’m going to stop telling you about the story. I don’t want to spoil all the fun!
When you open the book, you discover Clara and her family getting ready for their party. Soon the guests arrive. Ding, ding! They’re here! We see all kinds of woodland animals arriving, including a raccoon. There’s also a grandfather clock with an owl sitting on top. Some of the little owls have eye patches, and the entire gathering looks like everyone is having the best time.
Then come the gifts! Brother Fritz receives a stick horse, while Clara gets a very special present. A Nutcracker doll! Hooray, hooray! As the evening winds down, Clara falls asleep on the couch. But something is happening while everyone else is asleep. There’s a rustle in the dark. The room awakens. What’s that noise? It’s the Mouse King and his army! Oh no! I’m not going to tell you what happens next. You’ll have to open the book and discover the adventure for yourself.
Although, don’t do what Charlie and I sometimes do. We get so distracted looking at all the beautiful decorations and illustrations that we forget to finish reading the story! There is just so much to discover on these pages.
One thing I particularly appreciate about this book is that it’s written for younger readers. Charlie and David were both able to read the story without any problems, which is a godsend in our home. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy reading to my family. I absolutely do! I believe reading together is one of the most important things a family can do.
There are a few words, such as pirouette and arabesque, that might be unfamiliar to younger readers. But that’s another opportunity for families to learn together. You can stop, talk about the words, look at the illustrations, and help each other understand what is happening. After all, isn’t that part of the fun of reading as a family?
The Author Faith Pray is a Pacific Northwest author and best-selling illustrator. According to her author biography, after experiencing a stroke that affected her ability to find words, Faith began telling stories through art as a form of therapy. She has since gone on to write and illustrate children’s books.
Her other work includes The Day We Got Lost, Perfectly Imperfect Mirror, and The Star Keeper. She enjoys mysteries, hiking, learning new things, reading, creating art, and visiting cat cafes. Faith lives with her husband, children, and a mischievous collection of animals in the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about her books at Faith Pray Books.
The book lists a U.S. suggested retail price of $19.99. When I checked Amazon, I saw the following prices: Kindle edition: $17.09 Hardcover edition: $18.02 Please remember that Amazon prices can change at the drop of a hat, so always check the current price before purchasing.
And you can bet your bottom dollar that when I’m helping Santa load the sleigh this year, I’ll be asking him to bring The Woodland Nutcracker for every good little boy and girl! Which is why you will find this book inside our Christmas Gift Guide/ Wish List and as part of our 10 Minute Reading Challenge.
I believe this is a book intended for younger readers, but I can adults enjoying the story as well and the book can easily be enjoyed throughout the year. It’s also the kind of Christmas book I would love to see families hold onto and pass down from generation to generation.Because sometimes the best gifts aren’t the ones that cost the most. They’re the stories we share, the memories we make, and the books we keep coming back to.
Now, I have a question for you,. Have you introduced your children or grandchildren to The Nutcracker? Do you enjoy ballet stories, Christmas picture books, or woodland animal adventures? I’d love for you to open up The Woodland Nutcracker by Faith Pray and then come back and tell me what you thought. And if Santa happens to be reading Greatful Moments, I hope he’s paying attention! Until next time, remember to be Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed!
About the book:
Join Clara and the Nutcracker on an enchanting journey of dance, dreams, and holiday magic in this gentle young retelling of The Nutracker featuring adorable woodland creatures
Clara and her family are throwing a splendid woodland party full of music, dancing, and a beautiful Christmas tree. When the big clock strikes―chime! chime!―Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives with a nutcracker doll for Clara!
But once the guests go home and the lights turn low, tinsel twinkles, branches sway . . . Is the tree growing?
Higher, higher! Follow the glowing . . . enchantment awaits!
In this cozy animal reimagining of a holiday classic, follow Clara and her Nutcracker as they battle the Mouse King, ride a hot air balloon, and explore the Land of Snowflakes and the Kingdom of Sweets!
Perfect for holiday gifts, ballet lovers, and aspiring sugar plum fairies, Faith Pray’s spare, melodic retelling and charming illustrations bring a beloved tale to the littlest readers.
Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
GreatfulMoments.com
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
