Nutcracker (Part 5)

The Nutcracker by Michael Hague

Michael Hague is in the big leagues when it comes to illustrators. In fact, he’s done illustrations for any number of classics; his works can be seen in editions of everything from Peter Pan to The Hobbit.  But while Hague excels at drawing fantastical beasts, his illustrations of people range from a bit plain (poor Marie) to Sendak-esque (Princess Pirlipat). One of the lengthier versions of The Nutcracker, Hague uses the full story of Princess Pirlipat and the watchmaker’s nephew who broke the spell placed on her by the Rat Queen.  The Christmas evening festivities and the battle of the nutcracker will be quite familiar to ballet fans.  After the defeat of the Rat King however, the Nutcracker takes Marie to the Land of Toys (which is also full of candy).  The whole second part of the ballet is whisked over in about a page with Marie waking in her own bed.  She meets Drosselmeier’s nephew the day however and is convinced he’s the nutcracker.

Recommended: Many will be pleased by Hague’s illustrations.  The story tries to follow the structure of the ballet while remaining true to Hoffman’s original story.  I especially like the final line which invokes the magic of Christmas, telling children that they can still visit the Land of Toys if they have eyes to see the way and courage for the journey.  However, this edition is too long to be a bedtime read aloud!

Sex, Nudity, Dating – Marie grows up to marry Drosselmeier’s nephew.
Profanity – None.
Death, Violence and Gore – Queen Rat’s son (the Rat King) must die for the spell on Fredrick to be broken.  Fritz has toy soldiers and the nutcracker is armed with a gun.   Mice are armed with swords and spears. The rats bite at the soldiers.  The nutracracker has a sword. The toy soldiers fire nuts from their cannons.  The nutcracker drew his sword and killed the Rat King. (The Rat King is reassuringly?  reprehensibly?  depicted in heaven strumming a harp after this occurs).
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – None.
Frightening or Intense Things – As Hague draws beasties exceptionally well, the Rat King is a sight to behold with beady red eyes and seven heads.  Easily frightened little ones should steer clear.