The Nutcracker
illustrated by Niroot Puttapipat
Walker Books
I’ve received not one, but two gorgeous versions of this ‘cracking’ story in the past few weeks, which only goes to show how much a part and parcel of family seasonal celebrations it is becoming.
This one by Niroot Puttapipat uses stunningly beautiful silhouettes set against gloriously coloured background scenes so that every turn of the page is sheer visual delight. I’d like to show you every single spread but you will have to get your own copy to see them all; here’s just a taster of first an interior: it’s Clara who, just before midnight, has crept downstairs to check whether her damaged princely wooden ‘nutcracker’ has been fixed, and over-sized mice cascading down behind her …

The second shows her and the prince seated upon a flying swan travelling ‘over gold-flecked oceans and silver-edged cities.’

Doesn’t that sound magical?
And if those aren’t enough – take a look at the out-of-this world finale:

If that isn’t a magnificent production, then nothing is.
The sets from Marius Pepita’s original production of the ballet first performed in St Petersburg in 1892 were Puttapipat’s inspiration for the this elegant drama. He’s surely done them proud.
It’s a book I shall be buying to give this Christmas and one that will give pleasure all year round.
From the same artist comes:

Jingle Bells
illustrated by Niroot Puttapipat
Walker Books
This is another truly beautiful, silhouette style production – of the enduring favourite song this time.
It’s presented in mini format with wonderful alternating cut-away pages …

and again, a splendid pop-up finale …

Such wonderful design is likely to inspire children to try their hands at creating their own seasonal stories in similar vein.

Use your local bookshop