The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

"The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" is one of the famous magical stories written by the great romantic of German literature, Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann. This mysterious tale, long considered a classic, invariably captivates young readers, as it features true wonders: dolls and toy soldiers in the children's room come to life and help Marie and Fritz protect the Nutcracker and defeat the army of the Mouse King. This Christmas story has been illustrated by many artists. Nika Georgievna Goltz, a recognized classic of book illustration, an honored artist of Russia, and a holder of the Honorary Diploma of the International Hans Christian Andersen Award for children's literature, envisioned Hoffmann's characters in her own, very individual and talented way. Her drawings—airy, light, and even magical—help readers immerse themselves in Hoffmann's world and feel the uniqueness of his tale.