Peter Malone’s exquisite illustrations capture all the magic of The Nutcracker’s most memorable scenes: the Christmas Eve party, Godfather Drosselmeyer’s spellbinding visit, and the ferocious battle between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker. Marie’s journey to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes her with exuberant dancers from around the globe—and toothsome desserts—springs to life as never before.

Stephanie Spinner is the author of many highly praised children's books ranging from the picture books Alex the Parrot and It's a Miracle! A Hanukkah Storybook and the Step-Up Classic Dracula to the middle-grade novel Aliens for Breakfast, and Quiver and Quicksilver, young adult retellings of myths.

Peter Malone has illustrated such classical works as Peter and the Wolf, The Magic Flute, At the Opera, The World of King Arthur and His Court, and The Adventures of Odysseus. His illustrations have appeared in the New Yorker and on British Royal Mail stamps.