We all know The Nutcracker—the music, the magic, the holiday vibes. But what about stories that go beyond the ballet? More than just another retelling of the story, these fun and unexpected books will add a little variety to your lesson plans. These books tell new stories, bring new perspectives, and reimagine the Nutcracker. Perfect for introducing your students to new angles on a familiar favorite, here are eight books that are not just the story nutcracker books.
(Full disclosure: some affiliate links. I get a small kickback and it won’t change your price. No pressure!)
The Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition
Author: Chris Barton
Illustrator: Cathy Gendron
ISBN: 978-1467721516
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This book takes a look at how the Nutcracker became a holiday tradition in the US.
Waltz of the Snowflakes
Author: Elly MacKay
ISBN: 978-0762453382
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This wordless book would be a beautiful book to incorporate while students listened to Waltz of the Snowflakes.
Curtain Up!: Behind the Scenes at the Royal Opera House
Author: Royal Opera House
Illustrator: Lauren O’Hara
ISBN: 978-0500652510
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This book is pretty neat. It shows the various parts of what goes into a production such as the armory, the point shoe room, and costume departments. It is a nice look at the behind the scenes!
The Night Before The Nutcracker
Author: John Robert Allman
Illustrator: Julianna Swaney
ISBN: 978-0593180914
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This is another book that looks at more than just the ballet. It shoes the preparations dancers go through to prepare such as auditions, costume fittings, and even the day of hair and makeup.
Nutcracker In Harlem
Author: T.E. McMorrow
Illustrator: James Ransome
ISBN: 978-0061175985
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This is a jazz-inspirited version of the story with a little girl finding her musical voice.
Charlotte the Ballerina: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Nutcracker History
Author: Charlotte Nebres
Illustrator: Alea Marley
ISBN: 978-0593651322
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This and the following book are the same story but told in different ways. This book is about Charlotte Nebres who was the first Black ballerina to dance the role of Marie in the New York City Ballets Nutcracker production. This version is a read aloud.
Charlotte and the Nutcracker: A Magical Christmas Story
Author: Charlotte Nebres
Illustrator: Alea Marley
ISBN: 978-0593374900
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This and the previous book are the same story but told in different ways. This book is about Charlotte Nebres who was the first Black ballerina to dance the role of Marie in the New York City Ballets Nutcracker production. This version is a version that young readers can try to read themselves.
Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite
Author: Anna Harwell Celenza
Illustrator: Don Tate
ISBN: 978-1570917011
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This book tells how Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn turned a Western Classical ballet into a a jazz masterpiece. Come with a CD! 🙂
Bonus Book: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Author: New York City Ballet
Illustrator: Valeria Docampo
ISBN: 978-1481458290
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If you are a looking for a pretty book to talk about the story, this version is based on the New York City’s George Balanchine production of The Nutcracker which would coordinate nicely with the 1993 movie if you chose to show a video version.
Hope this has given you some ideas to change up your Nutcracker lessons!
