(3) K-3 Retold by Renate Raecke. Translated by Anthea Bell. Illustrated by Yana Sedova. On Christmas Eve, young Marie and the Nutcracker Prince journey to "Candytown" in a dream--or was it? Simple but vivid language retells the classic tale. Sedova's stylized, jewel-toned illustrations are rich with texture and detail, including clockwork (in homage to Drosselmeier's toy-making) and Christmas tree–ornament motifs throughout. An afterword gives some background on Hoffmann's story and its many adaptations.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) K-3 Translated by Anthea Bell. Illustrated by Yana Sedova. This large-size, newly illustrated edition features art with delicately rendered details and dominated by icy blues. With the interest in Disney's Frozen, this should be a sought-after volume, although some may be put off by the lengthy text. The 1987 edition was illustrated by Bernadette Watts.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt