E. T. A. Hoffmann

"Of all the gifts under the tree on Christmas Eve, only one captures Marie Stahlbaum's heart: a humble nutcracker ... As midnight nears, he comes to life, revealing a fairy-tale world of magic and wonder, wicked princesses, and fierce battles--and an ancient curse that can only be broken with the help of a true friend. With the evil Mouse King looming and her dream world threatened, Marie will have to find the strength to stand up for her nutcracker--no...