Books by Virginia Unser

The Nutcracker

by Stephanie Spinner, unknown author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Fiona Watt, Karen Kain, Berlie Doherty, Niroot Puttapipat, Virginia Unser, Wendy W. Malinow, John Cech, New York City Ballet

This pocket-size edition of The Nutcracker captures the magic of the original story with an array of enticing illustrations. In The Nutcracker, Michael Hague's show-stopping artwork brings the excitement of this festive holiday story to life.

The timeless appeal of this classical Christmas tales in this visually stunning mini edition is a glorious tribute to the most magical night of the year.

The Nutcracker

by Stephanie Spinner, unknown author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Fiona Watt, Karen Kain, Berlie Doherty, Niroot Puttapipat, Virginia Unser, Wendy W. Malinow, John Cech, New York City Ballet

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without The Nutcracker! This beautiful book, which includes a fully orchestrated CD of the score, invites children to dance, prance, and relive the ballet long after the tree comes down.

Peter Malone’s exquisite illustrations capture all the magic of The Nutcracker’s most memorable scenes: the Christmas Eve party, Godfather Drosselmeyer’s spellbinding visit, and the ferocious battle between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker. Marie’s journey to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes her with exuberant dancers from around the globe—and toothsome desserts—springs to life as never before.

Stephanie Spinner’s lyrical text, Peter Malone’s jewel-like artwork, and a sparkling performance of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music make this a gift to inspire even the very youngest dancer.

The Nutcracker

by Stephanie Spinner, unknown author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Fiona Watt, Karen Kain, Berlie Doherty, Niroot Puttapipat, Virginia Unser, Wendy W. Malinow, John Cech, New York City Ballet

From School Library Journal Grade 2-4–E. T. A. Hoffmann's fantastical tale about a girl and a wooden nutcracker has been retold and reinvented countless times since it first appeared in 1816. This version, based on the 1891 Tchaikovsky ballet, is told from the viewpoint of an elderly Clara. The story unfolds very slowly and rather unevenly, with a number of pages at the beginning devoted to the children waiting for Godfather Drosselmeyer to arrive, and only one page near the end mentioning the celebration in the Kingdom of Sweets. Doherty also makes some distracting word choices–describing the Sugar Plum Fairy's dress as "spiky" for example. Beck's delicate watercolor-and-ink illustrations and borders invite second and third looks with their wealth of detail. However, Geraldine McCaughrean's retelling of the ballet story (Oxford, 1999) or Sarah L. Thomson's version combining the original and the ballet, illustrated by Michael Hague (SeaStar, 2003), are better choices.–M. A. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Product Description A gift-book to treasure for all fans of this wonderful old story and ballet. It is Christmas Eve and Clara is overjoyed when Godfather Drosselmeyer gives her a nutcracker in the shape of a wooden soldier. But it is at night that the magic really begins, when toys come alive, young girls become princesses and Clara’s brave nutcracker becomes the prince of her dreams. This beautiful and lyrical re-telling of Hoffman’s much-loved Nutcracker story, from which the famous ballet was created, is exquisitely and enchantingly illustrated, making it a book to treasure. Review “This beautifully designed work will serve as an excellent preparation for children before seeing a holiday ballet performance. ” -- Kirkus Reviews From the Publisher Welcome to a world where magic really happens—where toys come alive, young girls become princesses, and Clara’s brave nutcracker becomes the prince of her dreams. A book that will be treasured for years to come. Berlie Doherty has won the coveted Carnegie Medal for both Granny Was a Buffer Girl and Dear Nobody. She also won the Writer’s Guild Children’s fiction Award for Daughter of the Sea. Ian Beck is the highly praised illustrator and author of many books for children, including The Jumblies and Teddy’s Snowy Day. Also available in paperback. From the Inside Flap to treasure for all fans of this wonderful old story and ballet.It is Christmas Eve and Clara is overjoyed when Godfather Drosselmeyer gives her a nutcracker in the shape of a wooden soldier. But it is at night that the magic really begins, when toys come alive, young girls become princesses and Clara’s brave nutcracker becomes the prince of her dreams.This beautiful and lyrical retelling of Hoffman’s much-loved Nutcracker story, from which the famous ballet was created, is exquisitely and enchantingly illustrated, making it a book to treasure. About the Author Berlie Doherty is twice-winner of the Carnegie Medal and a best-selling author of picture books and fiction.

The Nutcracker

by Stephanie Spinner, unknown author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Fiona Watt, Karen Kain, Berlie Doherty, Niroot Puttapipat, Virginia Unser, Wendy W. Malinow, John Cech, New York City Ballet

Hoffmann's classic Christmas fairy tale, immortalized by Tchaikovsky's ballet, is brought to life by the gorgeous contemporary artwork of Finnish illustrator Sanna Annukka, and is the perfect holiday gift for adults and children alike. The Nutcracker captures, better than any other story, a child's wonder at Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, Fritz and Marie excitedly await the arrival of Godfather Drosselmeier and the marvelous gifts he brings for them every year. When Marie discovers a rather curious nutcracker doll amongst the presents, she suddenly finds herself caught up in an age-old battle and ultimately transported to a magical world of sugar-frosted castles, chocolate kings, and true love. This cloth-bound edition combines the charm of Hoffmann's original eighteenth-century tale with the freshness of Sanna Annukka's gorgeous illustrations in this striking keepsake edition that will be treasured and reread by you and your loved ones for years to come.

The Nutcracker

by Stephanie Spinner, unknown author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Fiona Watt, Karen Kain, Berlie Doherty, Niroot Puttapipat, Virginia Unser, Wendy W. Malinow, John Cech, New York City Ballet

An exquisite gift edition of The Nutcracker captures the spirit of the Christmas ballet in elegant illustrations—and delivers a glorious pop-up finale.

The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most popular ballets, telling the captivating story of Clara and the Nutcracker prince as they journey into a land of fantasy. Inspired by Marius Petipa’s sets for the original production of the ballet, Niroot Puttapipat’s delicate silhouette illustrations dance across pale, watercolor-washed backgrounds in a unique interpretation. Starkly beautiful, this keepsake edition evokes all the magic and anticipation of Christmas Eve as Clara and the prince waltz between worlds—and culminates in a 3-D spread bringing the dreamlike Land of Sweets to life.

The Nutcracker

by Stephanie Spinner, unknown author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Fiona Watt, Karen Kain, Berlie Doherty, Niroot Puttapipat, Virginia Unser, Wendy W. Malinow, John Cech, New York City Ballet

This sumptuous sound book is based on the beloved classic and retold for younger children to provide an ideal introduction to the story. Press the embedded sounds to hear the music that goes along with the story. Press-a-Sound BooksPress the sign on each page to hear wonderful sounds and noises. The beautiful illustrations complement these beautiful first picture books for young children with fully embedded sounds.

The Nutcracker

by Stephanie Spinner, unknown author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Fiona Watt, Karen Kain, Berlie Doherty, Niroot Puttapipat, Virginia Unser, Wendy W. Malinow, John Cech, New York City Ballet

Misha and Marie are thrilled that Christmas is coming. It’s a frosty night, the neighbors are all invited, and Peter the stable boy is sweeping the barn in preparation for the dancing to come. But there’s a disappointment in store. Instead of the beautiful doll she’d hoped for, the only thing strange old Uncle Nikolai has for Marie is a wooden nutcracker. Marie thinks it’s a wonderful gift. Little does she know that it will lead her and her brother on the adventure of a lifetime.

When Misha and Marie finally go to bed on Christmas Eve, they sleep fitfully and are beset by nightmares. In one particularly bad dream, they join forces — unusual for the squabbling children — and conquer an army that might harm the nutcracker. Their reward is splendid: they are swept to the realm of the Snow Queen for a night of wonders.

James Kudelka, the Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada, is one of North America’s foremost dance artists. His vision of The Nutcracker is elegantly told by Karen Kain and beautifully rendered by artist Rajka Kupesic, herself a ballet dancer.

The Nutcracker

by Stephanie Spinner, unknown author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Fiona Watt, Karen Kain, Berlie Doherty, Niroot Puttapipat, Virginia Unser, Wendy W. Malinow, John Cech, New York City Ballet

After hearing how her toy nutcracker got his ugly face, a little girl helps break the spell and watches him change into a handsome prince.

The Nutcracker

by Stephanie Spinner, unknown author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Fiona Watt, Karen Kain, Berlie Doherty, Niroot Puttapipat, Virginia Unser, Wendy W. Malinow, John Cech, New York City Ballet

What a special Christmas gift this will be: the beloved holiday fantasy, beautifully retold by John Cech (author of our Classic Fairy Tale series) and illustrated by Eric Puybaret, whose imaginative art helped turn Puff, the Magic Dragon into a blockbuster. Cech bases his version on E.T.A. Hoffman’s original, which features not only the story familiar to all ballet lovers, but other wondrous adventures—including the tale of Princess Pirlipat and an explanation of the origins of the Nutcracker himself.Lavishly and elegantly packaged, this belongs under every child’s tree.

The Nutcracker

by Stephanie Spinner, unknown author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Fiona Watt, Karen Kain, Berlie Doherty, Niroot Puttapipat, Virginia Unser, Wendy W. Malinow, John Cech, New York City Ballet

The New York City Ballet presents a classic ballet tale for a modern ballet lover with George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, a holiday favorite.

The New York City Ballet is known for showcasing classic stories of the ballet with their trademark stylish and modern sensibility. For the first time, this beloved holiday story is told based on George Balanchine’s quintessential production. The storyline of this gorgeous picture book mimics the choreography of the famous ballet and the illustrations are inspired by the backdrops and scenery from the actual production.

The New York City Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker is considered to be “the” leading production in the world. A holiday tradition for many families, now readers who can’t travel to New York will be able to experience this colorful celebratory story. A must-have for every aspiring ballerina’s library and a holiday tradition for every family’s bookshelf.

The Nutcracker

by Stephanie Spinner, unknown author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Fiona Watt, Karen Kain, Berlie Doherty, Niroot Puttapipat, Virginia Unser, Wendy W. Malinow, John Cech, New York City Ballet

Celebrate the holidays with this bestselling Christmas classic.

Adults as well as children look forward to attending an annual performance of The Nutcracker. To sweeten the anticipation and prolong the joy -- or just to establish a lovely tradition -- settle in with this charming retelling of a young girl's dreamy visit to the Land of the Sugarplum Fairy. The story is enhanced with magnificent color illustrations created especially for this edition by the late award-winning artist Don Daily. This high-quality, handsomely produced volume is destined to be a holiday favorite for years to come.

The Nutcracker

by Stephanie Spinner, unknown author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Fiona Watt, Karen Kain, Berlie Doherty, Niroot Puttapipat, Virginia Unser, Wendy W. Malinow, John Cech, New York City Ballet

E.T.A. Hoffmann’s whimsical novella, originally titled Nutcracker and Mouse King and the inspiration behind Tchaikovsky’s ballet, now has a festive new look in this beautiful edition.

When Maria is given a nutcracker by her mysterious Godfather Drosselmeier, it seems like an ordinary gift. But as the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve, she finds her nutcracker embroiled in a fight with a sinister Mouse King—no ordinary toy after all, but a cursed hero. Together, they embark on a fantastical journey, encountering a host of charming characters.

Filled with Christmas magic and festive scenes full of presents, sugarplums, and gingerbread, this imaginative classic has been a part of annual holiday celebrations for generations.