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The Night Before the Nutcracker (American Ballet Theatre)

Part of American Ballet Theatre

Author John Robert Allman
Illustrated by Julianna Swaney
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Hardcover
$18.99 US
RH Childrens Books | Doubleday Books for Young Readers
10.44"W x 10.31"H x 0.43"D   | 18 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Sep 06, 2022 | 40 Pages | 978-0-593-18091-4
Age 3-7 years | Preschool - 2
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Get a front-row seat and experience the excitement of opening night as young dancers prepare for a performance of The Nutcracker. This festive holiday picture book, created in partnership with American Ballet Theatre, is a perfect gift for young readers and dance fans.

’Twas the night before The Nutcracker and, sleepless in their beds,
these budding ballet dancers are rehearsing in their heads.

Children who dream of dancing in The Nutcracker will love this magical illustrated holiday story, told in the tradition of "The Night Before Christmas." Four young girls and boys experience the thrills of auditions, rehearsals, costume fittings, and finally the big event: opening night! It's a behind-the-scenes peek that will delight young dancers.

An afterword with original costume illustrations by Tony Award winner Richard Hudson makes this keepsake picture book both aspirational and informative.
A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year

“Young balletomanes will clamor to attend a live performance or perhaps aspire to dance themselves.”—Kirkus

"Perfect for sharing with young audience members preparing to see the ballet for the first time, or for those wishing to imagine the wonder from home."—School Library Journal

"Lovely. . . . The verse text rolls along smoothly in a series of well-worded rhymed couplets. Using color sparingly but effectively, the illustrator creates a sense of music within the scenes and even reveals a backstage secret (the stilts under Mother Ginger’s skirt). An appealing introduction to the ballet."—Booklist

"It’s a double bill, introducing both the traditional story and the experiences of its child dancers."—Publishers Weekly

"A Clement C. Moore–inspired rhyming text and lively illustrations offer a tantalizing look at the before, during, and after of “tomorrow’s opening night” for four young dancers. . . . [An] engaging look at the seasonal staple."—The Horn Book
JOHN ROBERT ALLMAN lives in New York City, where is works in television marketing. He is the author of A Is for Audra, B Is for Broadway, J Is for Judy, and three picture books with American Ballet Theatre: Boys Dance!, B Is for Ballet, and The Night Before the Nutcracker. John is a graduate of Northwestern University, NYU's Stern School of Business, and BMI's Musical Theatre Workshop. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @Johnny_Allman. View titles by John Robert Allman
JULIANNA SWANEY is an illustrator, designer, and fine artist whose work is inspired by themes of imagination, whimsy, and melancholy. Her books include Mermaid School and I Will Always Be Your Bunny. Julianna studied printmaking at Maine College of Art and currently lives in Portland, Oregon. See more of her work online at Juliannaswaney.com and follow her on Twitter at @ohmycavalier. View titles by Julianna Swaney

About

Get a front-row seat and experience the excitement of opening night as young dancers prepare for a performance of The Nutcracker. This festive holiday picture book, created in partnership with American Ballet Theatre, is a perfect gift for young readers and dance fans.

’Twas the night before The Nutcracker and, sleepless in their beds,
these budding ballet dancers are rehearsing in their heads.

Children who dream of dancing in The Nutcracker will love this magical illustrated holiday story, told in the tradition of "The Night Before Christmas." Four young girls and boys experience the thrills of auditions, rehearsals, costume fittings, and finally the big event: opening night! It's a behind-the-scenes peek that will delight young dancers.

An afterword with original costume illustrations by Tony Award winner Richard Hudson makes this keepsake picture book both aspirational and informative.

Praise

A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year

“Young balletomanes will clamor to attend a live performance or perhaps aspire to dance themselves.”—Kirkus

"Perfect for sharing with young audience members preparing to see the ballet for the first time, or for those wishing to imagine the wonder from home."—School Library Journal

"Lovely. . . . The verse text rolls along smoothly in a series of well-worded rhymed couplets. Using color sparingly but effectively, the illustrator creates a sense of music within the scenes and even reveals a backstage secret (the stilts under Mother Ginger’s skirt). An appealing introduction to the ballet."—Booklist

"It’s a double bill, introducing both the traditional story and the experiences of its child dancers."—Publishers Weekly

"A Clement C. Moore–inspired rhyming text and lively illustrations offer a tantalizing look at the before, during, and after of “tomorrow’s opening night” for four young dancers. . . . [An] engaging look at the seasonal staple."—The Horn Book

Author

JOHN ROBERT ALLMAN lives in New York City, where is works in television marketing. He is the author of A Is for Audra, B Is for Broadway, J Is for Judy, and three picture books with American Ballet Theatre: Boys Dance!, B Is for Ballet, and The Night Before the Nutcracker. John is a graduate of Northwestern University, NYU's Stern School of Business, and BMI's Musical Theatre Workshop. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @Johnny_Allman. View titles by John Robert Allman
JULIANNA SWANEY is an illustrator, designer, and fine artist whose work is inspired by themes of imagination, whimsy, and melancholy. Her books include Mermaid School and I Will Always Be Your Bunny. Julianna studied printmaking at Maine College of Art and currently lives in Portland, Oregon. See more of her work online at Juliannaswaney.com and follow her on Twitter at @ohmycavalier. View titles by Julianna Swaney

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The Night Before the Nutcracker

Get a front-row seat and experience the excitement of opening night as young dancers prepare for a performance of The Nutcracker. This festive holiday picture book, created in partnership with American Ballet Theatre, is a perfect gift for young readers and dance fans. ’Twas the night before The Nutcracker and, sleepless in their beds, these budding ballet dancers are

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The Night Before the Nutcracker

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