The Nutcracker in Harlem [Hardcover]

A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year!

This jazz-inspired reinvention ofThe Nutcrackeris a worthy tribute to the dreamlike wonder and magic of the Christmas season.

In this original retelling, set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, one little girl finds her voice as a musician thanks to her enchanting adventures with a magical toy.

This quintessential holiday tale is brought to vivid life by debut picture book author T. E. McMorrow and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator James Ransome. An author’s note at the end provides additional information about the history of the Harlem Renaissance, and about the author’s inspiration for this musical retelling.

Late at night on Christmas Eve, an enchanting toy introduces a young girl to a secret wonderland.

The whimsy and beauty of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King has fascinated readers and audiences for more than two hundred years. The music of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet is forever linked to the story in our minds—but another kind of music sets the beat for this imaginative retelling. Set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, this jazz-inspired reinvention of The Nutcracker is a worthy tribute to the dreamlike wonder and magic of the Christmas season.

“This inventive book embeds the classic holiday ballet in the elegant Harlem Renaissance world of the 1920s...[Ransome’s] rich jewel-toned art makes both indoor scenes and the New York City night vibrate with life and holiday wonder.”“Radiant watercolor illustrations use a palette of glowing jewel tones, especially deep blues and brilliant fuchsia for Marie’s flowing dress.”“An intriguing integration of The Nutcracker’s magic into a new setting, and a welcome addition to the shelf of Nutcracker-themedló+