Rob Sauber

Adapted from the story by O. Henry.
In a shabby New York flat, Della sobs as she counts the few coins she has saved to buy a Christmas present for her husband, Jim. A gift worthy of her devotion will require a great sacrifice: selling her long, beautiful hair. Jim, meanwhile, has made a sacrifice for Della that is no less difficult. As they exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, the discovery of what each has done fills them with despair, until they realize that the true gifts of Christmas can be found more readily in their humble apartment than in any fine store. O. Henry paints a masterly portrait of unfaltering love, a haven from the harsh world outside. The poignancy of his story is captured in P.J. Lynch's eloquent art, wherein every glance, every gesture, tells a subtle truth.… (más)

This book is a trade book with a spin on traditional books. Barbie is an iconic figure while the nutcracker is an iconic story or plot line. Clara (main character) got a gift (the nutcracker) for Christmas. Her brother broke it and she fixed it. When she fixed it, the nutcracker came to life. She then became a part of the story and went on adventures. Her adventure entailed a search for the sugar plum princess. The princess friends got captured in a cage so it was up to Clara to fix the problem and come up with a plan. She did so and in the end the nutcracker (the gift she had received) turned into a prince. The illustrations in this book were every good. They were on a glossy page which helped. The book I read was pretty big which help feel like you are a part of the story as well. A teacher could use this book as a pleasure read and to show that just because you’re a girl that does not mean you cannot save your friends. Usually it’s the prince that comes to the rescue but in this case, the princess completed the mission.… (más)