The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Two centuries ago, a wonderful Christmas fairy tale about a girl named Marie, her Nutcracker doll, and the treacherous Mouse King was born. For children, "The Nutcracker" is a tale of a beautiful prince and a magical land; for adults, it is a story of growing up. Over the two centuries, the colors of Hoffmann's story have not faded at all, and the book you hold in your hands is the brightest confirmation of that. Kind and devoted Marie, the eccentric godfather Drosselmeyer, the valiant Nutcracker, and the ugly Mouse King — they all gain new life, gifted to them by the talented illustrator Anton Lomaev. The golden flames of Christmas candles and the velvety winter twilight, fantastic outfits, swirling snowflakes, charming and somewhat gloomy faces, countless tiny details creating a mystical and festive atmosphere — these illustrations are mesmerizing, and it is impossible to look away from them. The unique and recognizable style of Anton Lomaev seems made for the great German romantic — the artist's imagination, intertwining with the author's imagination, gives birth to a new work that is equally close to both children and adults.