NUTCRACKER SWEET ! REVIEW W/GIVEAWAY

 

 The Nutcracker is one of my favorite holiday traditions. I enjoy watching it live on stage and on television along with enjoying the soundtrack every year. I never had read the book before though so this was a treat! This edition of the story is a deluxe illustrated edition translated by Major Alex Ewing's translation of the original German text by E.T.A. Hoffman. Hoffman was also an artist and a composer and those skills really show in the text. It is Christmas Eve and the Stahlbaum children are excited for the festivities to begin. Marie and Fritz are secluded in the family den while their parents prepare the decorations.  As Marie and Fritz enjoy their presents their Godfather Drosselmeir comes with one of his elaborate presents. Marie is focused on the strange little Nutcracker she discovers on the tree. Fritz's roughness causes an injury to the Nutcracker. While Marie stays up late nursing the Nutcrackers wounds the room becomes flooded with rats and the dreaded 7 headed King Rat. The wonderful visuals by Roberto Innocenti breath life into this wonderful story. I found the soundtrack resounding through my head while reading it. The next day Marie recovers from an injury to her arm from a piece of broken glass. No one believes her tale of the epic battle. Even godfather Drosselmeir doubts her claims but he does sit with her and tell her a story. It is The Story of the Hard Nut. this is actually the origin of the Nutcrackers curse that gives her the clues she needs to unravel the mystery of the events and the epic battle. This was a wonderful read and something that I will look forward to reading again every Holiday.   

 NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY! Several Years ago Celestial Seasons started a special line of teas to celebrate The Nutcracker One Winner will get 1 box of each of these teas:  

  I'm also including a Candy Cane Bark from Gharadellies and a Nutcracker ornament

                                               RULES:

                                                     

                                            USA ONLY

                     

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                                       CONTEST ENDS

                                             7/14/10