Book Giveaway and Review: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King / The Christmas Magic

This year we plan to take our daughter to see a live performance of The Nutcracker Ballet. So far her only exposure to the Nutcracker has been a Barbie DVD and she's also listened to the music. We recently took some time to read the actual Nutcracker story together. Tchaikovsky's ballet is based on a story written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffman called The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Our review copy features exquisite illustrations by Gail de Marcken. I had never read the story myself and was surprised by several parts of the plot. First of all, the girl's name in our book is Marie, not Clara. Also, I never realized that the mouse king has seven heads with seven crowns the size of thimbles. See image below:
Hoffman's story is amazingly detailed, especially his descriptions of Toyland. I read aloud the lengthy story in two 15 minute sittings with my preschool daughter. She happily perused the vivid and rich illustrations by Gail de Marcken while listening to the descriptions in the text and especially enjoyed the Toyland filled with sugary treats and a Marzipan castle. She wasn't sure what to make of the seven-headed Mouse King or the poor Princess Pirlipat who was turned into an ugly doll. All those who enjoy the Nutcracker Ballet should read the actual story at least once in their lifetime. It's a superb holiday read!

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King illustrated by Gail De Marcken [written by by E.T. A. Hoffman]. Orchard Books (September 2009); 56 pages; ISBN 9780976865582;
Book Source: Review copy provided for free by publisher (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)

"Every year, just when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa feels a tingling in his whiskers. Then he knows that the Christmas magic will soon be here." - The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Jon J. Muth

Christmas is a magical time a year, with dancing, falling snow, smiling faces, sparkling lights and brisk temperatures causing frosty breaths. Even Santa Claus is not immune to the wonders of the season. He feels the magic in his whiskers long before his magical flight on Christmas Eve.

Bestselling author Lauren Thompson poetically describes Santa's preparations and the magic of his journey in her newest book, The Christmas Magic. There's so much to do and Santa, in his bunny slippers, gets to work by trimming his beard, feeding the reindeer, polishing the sleigh bells and checking the big book of children's names. Finally, the magical night arrives and Santa sets off flying up into the glorious, bluish, snow-filled sky.

Jon J. Muth brings out the minimalist in Santa Claus in his watercolor and pastel illustrations. Santa's sparse surroundings include only a small house and barn for his reindeer. Readers won't find elves, Mrs. Santa Claus or any of the typical North Pole hustle and bustle in this quiet, reflective book. Just Santa Claus alone with his reindeer and a cat. The book provides young readers an unusual, alternate glimpse into the life of Santa Claus. The simplicity of it all is striking and, well, downright magical.

The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Jon J. Muth . Scholastic Press (September 2009); 40 pages; ISBN 9780439774970;
Book Source: Review copy provided for free by publisher (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)

Thanks to Scholastic and Big Honcho Media, Brimful Curiosities' readers can enter to win the books.

Two (2) winners will receive both books:

* The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
* The Christmas Magic

To enter, leave a comment relevant to this post.

• For contact purposes, if you are a non-blogger or your email is not accessible in your blog profile, please leave a valid email address within the comment section.
• Contest is open to US only
• Contest ends on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 11:59 PM CST.
• Winners will be chosen at random and notified by email

Three ways to gain extra entries (Maximum total entries is 4):
1st extra entry: Follow Me! or subscribe by email or RSS reader
2nd extra entry: Blog about this contest then post your link in the comment section.
3rd extra entry: Follow me on twitter (iambrimful) and tweet about the contest.