Nutcracker Ballet: Book, Theater, and Paper Doll Fold-Out by Mara Conlon, illustrated by Jo Gershman

The other day I was walking past Seattle Center, when I saw a little girl dressed up in her holiday finest with her dad, also dressed nattily in slacks and a blazer. They were headed to "The Nutcracker" at McCaw Hall. Suddenly it felt like Christmas really was just around the corner, and I was flooded with nostalgia.

The book that gives me festive frisson this year is the "Nutcracker Ballet Book, Theater and Paper Doll Fold-Out" (Peter Pauper Press, $14.99)

It is a play set that gives every little Clara (or Fritz) the chance to recreate the ballet at home (without conscripting siblings and friends as I did every holiday season). When you open the sturdy hardcover-style set there is a pocket with a beautifully illustrated paperback version of the Nutcracker story in language simple enough for four-year-olds but still entrancing for fourth-graders. Opposite the book pocket is an envelope of wonder with over 30 punch-out stand-up paper dolls that readers can assemble and choreograph on the three fold-out stage sets! I would have spent hours setting up scenes in Clara's living room, the Enchanted Forest and the Land of Sweets.

The one thing missing from this spectacular experience is the music by Tchaikovsky. Luckily, every local music store should have a copy of "The Nutcracker" this time of year. (If you can't find a copy, kids are more than happy to sing it aloud to themselves over and over, if my childhood is any indication.) With this set you will be ready for the Nutcracker in your own home, creatively staged as it's never been staged before, I'm sure.

-- Tegan Tigani

(Every Tuesday Queen Anne Books book buyer Tegan Tigani tells us what's worth reading in children's literature.)