Description: Helquist's full-page panels in shades of black are delightfully expressive and are filled with charming details. Dance, drama, and a star turn make this a page-turning tale. --Kirkus Reviews Helquist's jubilant illustrations greatly enhance the book's appeal...a very sweet and enjoyable Christmas read. --School Library Journal Brett Helquist's black-and-white drawings (usually one per chapter) bring the mice and their activities to life, and a subplot involving nine-year-old human child Irina adds to the book's appeal. With a forward summarizing the original Nutcracker and an afterword recapping Esmeralda's mouse-centric version, this is perfect for balletomanes and mice fans alike. --Booklist Irina's and Esmeralda's story lines are individually engaging, and their overlapping moments are warmhearted. Copious illustrations (seen only as sketches) enhance both mouse and human worlds. --The Horn Book A sweet middle grade book about the world's tiniest ballet fans living in Saint Petersburg's famed Mariinsky Theater. --BookRiot Newsletter

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