Ella Bella Ballerina and The Nutcracker

PreS-Gr 3—Ella Bella is back for another ballet adventure, courtesy of Madame Rosa's magical music box. The students are enchanted by their teacher's story about The Nutcracker ballet. After class, she surprises them with a party. Ella Bella goes to fetch the music box and finds Clara sleeping under the Christmas tree. Off they go to Nutcracker land, where they battle the Mouse King, help save the kingdom, and enjoy the hospitality of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Ella Bella fans will find the format familiar, and young ballet enthusiasts will enjoy Mayhew's line illustrations in pink, blue, red, and green paints and pastels. The artist depicts a multicultural class, with a token boy included, to appeal to a wide audience, and his easy-to-read adaptation of this timeless Christmas story makes it accessible to another generation of readers. End matter includes a helpful one-page history of the ballet and its composer. Even collections that have other versions of The Nutcracker may want to add this one, especially where Ella Bella has a fan base.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada