The Night Before The Nutcracker
by John Robert Allman; illus. by Julianna Swaney
Primary    Doubleday    40 pp.    g
9/22    978-0-593-18091-4    $18.99
Library ed.  978-0-593-18092-1    $21.99
e-book ed.  978-0-593-18117-1    $10.99

Presented by American Ballet Theatre. A Clement C. Moore–inspired text and lively illustrations offer a tantalizing look at the before, during, and after of “tomorrow’s opening night” for four young dancers. From auditions to learning the steps, from “­rehearsals…with the pros” to backstage jitters, before finally: “Tchaikovsky’s music sets a mood of jolly jubilation.” The seven ensuing double-page spreads provide front-row seats to the performance, including a glimpse behind the scenes during intermission. A story synopsis and original costume illustrations from the ABT’s 2010 world premiere of the ballet end this engaging look at the seasonal staple.

From the November/December 2022 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.