A beautiful and lyrical retelling of the much-loved Nutcracker story by a highly acclaimed author. Coupled with exquisite and magical illustrations, this is a book to treasure for many years to come. On Christmas Eve Clara is overjoyed when she is given a nutcracker in the shape of a wooden soldier. But at night the magic really begins, when toys come alive, young girls become princesses and Clara's brave nutcracker becomes the prince of her dreams.