The Nutcracker

The Story Orchestra

Jessica Courtney-Tickle, Katy Flint

$35

Hardback

In stock
Ready to ship

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English

Frances Lincoln Publisher
27 September 2017

Children's & Educational; Sound story, noisy books, musical books; Music: general interest (Children's&YA); Dance, ballet (Children's&YA)

Series: The Story Orchestra

"It is Christmas Eve at Clara's house. Scents of ginger, chocolate, and peppermint waft through the air. Clara's parents are having a party, and her little brother Fritz is decorating the Christmas tree. Clara's godfather, a toymaker, arrives with gifts, including a very special one for her-a wooden nutcracker carved in the shape of a little man. After Fritz breaks it, the children are sent to bed.

The story follows Clara in her dreams as she battles and defeats a mouse king, then travels with her nutcracker-turned-prince to the Land of Sweets where she watches its enchanting inhabitants perform beautiful dances. As you and your little one journey through the magical scenes, you will press the buttons to hear 10 excerpts from the ballet's music, including ""The Waltz of the Flowers,"" ""The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,"" ""The Russian Dance,"" and the awesome ""Finale."" Readers should press firmly on the pages to activate the sound board at the back of the book, encouraging interactive learning and introducing children to this beautiful piece of music. At the back of the book, find a short biography of the composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, with details about his composition of The Nutcracker ballet. Next to this, you can replay the musical excerpts and, for each of them, read a discussion of the instruments, rhythms, and musical techniques that make them so powerful. A glossary defines musical terms. The Story Orchestra series brings classical music to life for children through gorgeously illustrated retellings of classic ballet, opera, and program music stories paired with 10-second sound clips of orchestras playing from their musical scores. With The Story Orchestra keyboard sound books, children can play the famous melodies themselves with the sound of a real grand piano. Also available from the Story Orchestra series: The Magic Flute, I Can Play (vol 1), Carnival of the Animals, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and Four Seasons in One Day.

WARNING: This product contains a button battery. Keep batteries out of reach of children. To activate the battery pull the tab from behind the secure battery on first use. This book complies to Australian Safety Standards."

Illustrated by: Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Adapted by: Katy Flint
Imprint: Frances Lincoln Publisher
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 304mm, Width: 265mm,
ISBN: 9781786030689
ISBN 10: 1786030683
Series: The Story Orchestra
Pages: 24
Publication Date: 27 September 2017
Recommended Age: From 6 to 9 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

JESSICA COURTNEY-TICKLE is an illustrator who graduated from Kingston University in July 2014. Her absolute favourite thing to draw or paint is nature, finding a focus on foliage of any kind as well as children's stories about adventure and exploration. She also has a penchant for drawing theatre from music makers to dancers and even singing animals. Jessica is most influenced by vintage picture books, travel posters and folk art as well as numerous painters and printmakers.

Reviews for The Nutcracker (The Story Orchestra)

'a clever way to show the way music and narrative combine and Courtney-Tickle’s illustrations are fittingly festive.' * Achuka * 'The Nutcracker has got to be the best way to introduce children to the joys of ballet - and this sound book will really capture their attention.' * Parents in Touch *