Originally written in the early nineteenth century, the story of a little girl's love for an enchanted nutcracker has delighted generations of readers, while the Tchaikovsky ballet based on the tale has become a holiday tradition.

Now young children can enjoy this beloved classic in a specially abridged version by Bob Blaisdell. Included are all the wonderful scenes and characters: Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum house, the arrival of Godpapa Drosselmeier and the presentation of the Nutcracker, the fierce battle between the Nutcracker and the seven-headed Mouse King, the adventures in Christmas Wood, Toyland, Marzipan Castle and much more.

Printed in large easy-to-read type and