Assessment:
Plot: Martini's book about toys with human likeness coming to life and having complex backstories is strange, interesting, and written in a playful and engaging manner. Her characters have complex personalities; the story is magical and surreal, yet believable.
Prose: Martini has pleasant prose, especially when describing the setting of the book. She has a talent for putting the reader directly into the scene, no matter how unusual it may be. The characters also have authentic interactions, and their emotions are tangible.
Originality: The storyline of toys coming to life and needing to hide from the humans of the house that they inhabit is a familiar concept. However, Martini has intertwined it with a tale about a man turned into a nutcracker, as well as a new type of magic. The result is a fresh and fun story.
Character/Execution: Martini's characters are all very much their own separate, flawed individuals. This is something that makes the tale especially relatable - the reader will find their problems squabbles, and growth pleasing and intriguing.
Date Submitted: April 05, 2022
This Christmas favorite, The Nutcracker, is retold in modern context. I enjoyed it very much and can’t wait to recommend this story to friends and family. Ms. Martini’s prose is very eloquent and clearly paints the scene of this familiar, beautiful, but somewhat bewildering tale. I have always loved this story, being most familiar with the ballet as a Christmas tradition, but have always found some of the story confusing. The author fills in the details in this retelling in a compelling, enlightening and entertaining way.
I love the familiar Christmas carols intertwined throughout the the story. The glossary of words, phrases and songs at the end really refines and enriches the telling. I see this book becoming a favorite Christmas tradition for my family!
. . . brilliant retelling of the Nutcracker . . . characters are stunningly imagined . . . infused with magical realism and a unique sense of humanity. In the end, it is an extraordinary work of art and beauty.~The Book Commentary
This award is sponsered by Story Monsters, and is given for excellence in Children's Literature. Truly an honor to be chosen!
