The grandfather clock started striking. One ... two ... three ... four ... five ... six ... seven ... eight ... nine ... ten ... eleven ... 'Twelve!' whispered Marie. Midnight. She had stayed up much longer than she intended. With a gulp she looked up at the clock. The wooden owl blinked at her. One cold December night, Marie's godfather brings her family a very special gift. Marie takes her responsibility to look after the soldier-like wooden nutcracker very seriously ... especially when the seven-headed Mouse King and his terrible army invade and the toys must come to life to defend their home. Could the Nutcracker be real after all?

The Nutcracker is part of the Reading Planet range of books for Stars (Lime) to Supernova (Red+) band. Children aged 7-11 will be inspired to love reading through the gripping stories and fascinating information books created by top authors. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and questions to support reading at home and develop comprehension skills.

Reading age: 9-10 years