On Christmas Eve, young Marie receives an unusual gift—a wooden Nutcracker with a kind smile and a mysterious past. But when the clock strikes midnight, her world transforms into something extraordinary. Mice with crowns march across the floor. Toys spring to life. And Marie finds herself at the center of an ancient battle between the Nutcracker and the terrible Mouse King. To save her friend, Marie must be braver than she ever imagined. Her journey will take her through enchanted forests, across shimmering lakes, and into a kingdom made entirely of sweets—where nothing is quite as it seems, and where true love has the power to break even the darkest curse. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's beloved classic, this beautifully illustrated adaptation brings the magic of The Nutcracker to life for a new generation of readers. Perfect for reading aloud on cozy winter nights, or discovering alone by the glow of the Christmas tree.