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Mint Editions (Christmas Collection) Series

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

3.90
on Goodreads (23,553)

What’s inside...

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (1816) is a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. A leading writer of the German Romantic period, Hoffmann inspired generations of artists with his thrilling blend of fantasy, science fiction, and fairy tale. In 1892, Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky turned Alexandre Dumas' adaptation of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King into The Nutcracker, which remains one of the most popular ballets of all time. On Christmas Eve, Fritz and Marie anxiously await the presentation of gifts. Initially awed by the clockwork castle made by their godfather Drosselmeyer, a famous inventor, they soon turn their attentions to a nutcracker. When Fritz accidentally breaks their new toy, Marie carefully bandages its jaw back into place. That night, while the whole house sleeps, Marie is awoken by the chiming of the grandfather clock. Terrified, she watches as a battle is waged between a horde of mice-led by a seven-headed king-and the toys, suddenly brought to life, led by the noble nutcracker. The next morning, she attempts to inform her parents of what she has seen, but they refuse to believe her. All remains quiet for the next several days, but when Drosselmeyer returns with the mended nutcracker, he tells her a story of the vengeful Mouse Queen. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is a classic of German literature reimagined for modern readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-9
Length
62 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

How did you feel when Marie defended the Nutcracker against the Mouse King?
What do you think the Nutcracker represents in the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave, like Marie?
What would you do if you were transported to a magical kingdom like Marie?
Why do you think the Nutcracker turned into a prince at the end?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions about the characters’ actions and the story’s outcome.
Discuss the themes of bravery and loyalty in the story and relate them to your child’s own experiences.
Highlight the fantasy elements of the story and ask your child to imagine their own magical world.
Explore the transformative journey of the characters and relate it to personal growth and change.
Reinforce the moral lessons in the story and encourage your child to apply them in their daily life.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King', young Marie bravely helps the Nutcracker defeat the Mouse King, showing courage even when frightened.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and stand up for themselves and others, even in daunting situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: Marie's kindness towards the Nutcracker, treating him with care and love even when he is just a toy, is a pivotal part of the story.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of being kind to others, regardless of their appearance or status.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The magical world that Marie discovers by believing in the Nutcracker encourages a strong sense of imagination and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their own creativity to see the world in unique and inventive ways.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, Marie shows resilience, facing various challenges without giving up hope.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and resilience in overcoming obstacles in their lives.