FICTION

The Muttcracker

S. & S. Sept. 2025. 32p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781665981033. PreS-Gr 1
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PreS-Gr 1–Every Saturday, an unnamed narrator and her dog, Biff, put on their tutus and head to ballet class. Biff dreams of playing the Sugar Plum Fairy in their upcoming production of “The Nutcracker” and imagines himself taking center stage in “the fluffiest tutu” and “the twinkliest tiara.” So Biff and, to a lesser extent, his human are initially disappointed to be cast as bonbons. When the Sugar Plum Fairy is sick on the day of the performance, Biff surprises his human by turning down the opportunity to replace her. They relish their time on stage, saying “Sometimes you have to be a bonbon…so you might as well be the best bonbon in the box!” The digitally rendered illustrations have a hand-drawm appearance and a whimsical style similar to the work of Quentin Blake. The narrator has tan skin and honey-colored hair, and other dance students display an assortment of skin tones and genders. Biff is the only non-human. Despite the Christmas setting, this story will appeal to young dance enthusiasts at any time of year and is more appropriate for general collections than holiday-specific sections.
VERDICT This pleasant offering will appeal to dancers and will resonate with anyone who has ever had to overcome disappointment.

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