Books About The Nutcracker

The Best The Nutcracker Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about the nutcracker? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Nutcracker

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2003

The Nutcracker

By Nick Denchfield

Uncover magical pop-up scenes in a Nutcracker adventure.

12 pages

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.7/5 Goodreads · 25 ratings

Hardcover

Summary: Join Clara on a whimsical journey through enchanting pop-up scenes. Witness a midnight battle between mice and toy soldiers, and glide to the Land of Sweets. Discover surprises behind every flap in this magical Nutcracker tale.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

The Dance of the Realms

By Calliope Glass, Marco Bucci (Illustrator) · The Nutcracker and the Four Realms series

Enter a magical realm where dance and holiday spirit come alive.

40 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 111 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Step into a world where the magic of The Nutcracker unfolds in vibrant illustrations. Journey through enchanting realms, where holiday spirit and the beauty of dance captivate a new generation. Will the magic of storytelling bring the adventure to life?

Sale price

$1140

Board Book · Ages 1–3 · 2018

The Nutcracker

By Anna Milbourne · Peep Inside A Fairy Tale series

A Nutcracker doll springs to life, leading a girl on a magical Christmas adventure.

14 pages

5.6/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 63 ratings

Board Book

Summary: On a magical Christmas night, a little girl's Nutcracker doll comes to life, whisking her away on an enchanting journey. As they explore a palace made of sweets, delicate cutaways and flaps reveal hidden wonders. Will they uncover the secrets of this magical realm? Dive into a world of fairy magic and festive surprises, where every page invites you to peep inside and discover more. This beautifully illustrated tale offers a captivating introduction to a classic fairytale, perfect for sharing the magic of Christmas with young readers.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2011

The Berenstain Bears and the Nutcracker

By Jan Berenstain (Author/Illustrator), Mike Berenstain (Author/Illustrator) · The Berenstain Bears series

The Berenstain Bears discover magic in a nutcracker gift.

32 pages· 949 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 245 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: On Christmas morning, the Berenstain Bears receive a nutcracker from Santa. Initially distracted by modern toys, the cubs soon dive into a world of imagination, creating their own Nutcracker adventure. What wonders will their creativity unleash?

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Mary Engelbreit's Nutcracker

By Mary Engelbreit · Mary Engelbreit series

A nutcracker transforms, leading Marie on an unforgettable winter adventure in a magical land.

40 pages· 692 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 246 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: On Christmas Eve, Marie's wooden nutcracker magically becomes a prince, whisking her away to the enchanting Toyland. As they journey through this fantastical realm, Marie encounters wonders and challenges that will change her forever. What secrets does Toyland hold, and can Marie return home unchanged? This reimagined holiday classic promises a magical adventure filled with surprises.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1815

The Nutcracker

By New York City Ballet, Valeria Docampo (Illustrator)

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker through a vibrant ballet-inspired picture book.

40 pages· 1,363 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 566 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Step into the enchanting world of The Nutcracker with a picture book that captures the essence of George Balanchine’s iconic ballet. Follow the magical journey through stunning illustrations that mirror the choreography and set designs of the New York City Ballet's celebrated production. This holiday classic invites readers to experience the wonder and tradition of a timeless story, perfect for aspiring ballerinas and families alike. Will you join the dance and discover the magic within?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2007

The Nutcracker

By Susan Jeffers

Embark on a magical Christmas Eve with a Nutcracker adventure.

36 pages· 714 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,481 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Join Marie and Fritz on a magical Christmas Eve as they journey with the Nutcracker into a world of wonder. Face the fearsome Mouse King, meet the enchanting Sugar Plum fairies, and explore the Land of Sweets. This beautifully illustrated tale offers a fresh take on a beloved holiday classic, inviting readers to experience the magic anew. What secrets does this enchanting world hold, and how will Marie and Fritz's adventure unfold? Discover the timeless charm of The Nutcracker in this captivating retelling.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 1991

The Nutcracker

By Rita Balducci, Sheilah Beckett (Illustrator)

A magical Christmas tale unfolds in a timeless ballet adventure.

24 pages· 717 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 790 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Journey into a world of enchantment with a retelling of the classic ballet, The Nutcracker. As the holiday season unfolds, a young girl's adventure with a mysterious nutcracker leads to a magical realm filled with wonder and excitement. With new illustrations capturing the spirit of the story, this Little Golden Book edition invites readers to experience the magic of Christmas and the timeless allure of fairy tales. Will the nutcracker's secret world reveal its mysteries, or will the magic of the season hold even more surprises?

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1999

The Nutcracker

By Janet Schulman, E.T.A. Hoffmann, Renee Graef · Bedtime Classics series

Uncover the original tale behind the Nutcracker's battle with the King of Mice.

18 pages

3.7/5 Goodreads · 14,871 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Board book

Summary: Journey with Marie as she discovers the enchanting world of the Nutcracker and the King of Mice. Dive into the original tale that reveals the mystery behind their fierce rivalry. Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and other magical characters, and explore the questions left unanswered by the ballet. This edition brings the story to life with stunning illustrations and an audio CD featuring Tchaikovsky's score. Will Marie uncover the secrets of this timeless Christmas adventure?

Sale price

$379

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1986

The Story of the Nutcracker Ballet

By Deborah Hautzig, Diane Goode (Illustrator) · Pictureback(R) series

A magical Nutcracker adventure transforms a holiday night into an unforgettable journey.

32 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 437 ratings

$3.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: On Christmas Eve, a young girl embarks on a magical journey with her Nutcracker, who comes to life. As they battle the Mouse King and explore enchanting realms, will they uncover the true spirit of the season? This timeless tale, filled with wonder and adventure, promises to become a cherished holiday tradition.

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The Nutcracker Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about the nutcracker for the youngest readers and listeners.

Series

Sale price

$999

The Nutcracker

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Discover dance through The Nutcracker's enchanting characters.

Sale price

$999

The Nutcracker

Ages 0–8 · 2012

Enchanted toys come alive, revealing the power of kindness.

Series

Sale price

$699

Daniel and the Nutcracker

Ages 3–5

Series

Sale price

$899

Nutcracker

Ages 3–5 · 2010

Join toddler ballerinas in a magical Nutcracker adventure.

Series

Sale price

$995

The Nutcracker

Ages 0–2 · 2016

Discover classic tales through simple words and charming scenes.

Series

Sale price

$799

The Nutcracker

Ages 1–3 · 2015

A girl must break a spell to save her enchanted Nutcracker.

Series

The Nutcracker

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Join a magical journey to the Land of Sweets with Clara and her nutcracker doll.

Series

Sale price

$899

The Nutcracker

Ages 0–2 · 2018

Embark on a magical journey with Clara and the Nutcracker.

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The Nutcracker Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about the nutcracker for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1999

The Nutcracker Comes to America

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Discover how The Nutcracker became a beloved American holiday tradition.

Sale price

$699

The Nutcracker Ballet

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A nutcracker transforms into a prince, whisking Clara to a magical land on Christmas Eve.

Sale price

$499

The Nutcracker Ballet

Ages 6–8

A young girl's Christmas Eve is filled with magic and adventure when her nutcracker doll comes to life.

Sale price

$1799

The Nutcracker in Harlem

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A magical toy leads a girl to find her musical voice in Harlem's jazz era.

Sale price

$1595

The Nutcracker

Ages 4–11 · 1992

A Christmas fantasy unfolds as a young girl's dreams come alive.

Sale price

$1799

The Nutcracker's Night Before Christmas

Ages 6–8 · 2015

A chaotic Nutcracker production faces disaster until unexpected help arrives on Christmas Eve.

Sale price

$1799

The Nutcracker

Ages 4–8 · 2008

A magical journey unfolds with a Nutcracker, a Mouse King, and a Land of Sweets.

Disney The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Sale price

$1299

Disney The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Ages 6–8 · 2018

A ballerina's dance unveils the secrets of four magical realms.

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The Nutcracker Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the nutcracker for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$899

Nutcracked

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A dancer's dream turns magical, but danger looms as reality and fantasy collide.

Sale price

$2999

The Nutcracker of Nuremberg

Ages 8–12 · 1845

A toy battles a Mouse King, leading to a magical land of dolls.

Ballet Busters Leap into the First Nutcracker

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1099

Ballet Busters Leap into the First Nutcracker

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Young dancers time-travel to the first Nutcracker, facing bullies and chaos.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1899

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Graphic Novel)

Ages 6–10 · 2020

A nutcracker comes to life, revealing a magical world and a battle against an ancient curse.

View all the nutcracker chapter books

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Nutcracker

Great books, picked for their age.

The Nutcracker Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

The Nutcracker Picture Books

The Nutcracker Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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