Wonderful Wins: THE CHRISTMAS MAGIC and THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING

Just in time for Christmas, I was lucky enough to win two beautiful books in a giveaway sponsored by Scholastic, Inc. and hosted by Shauna at Book Giveaways. Though stylistically very different, both books have the most gorgeous illustrations. If I was reviewing these, they would each receive 5/5 Stars.

Thank you to Scholastic and Shauna!

THE CHRISTMAS MAGIC

by Lauren Thompson

illustrated by Jon J. Muth

Pub. Date: September 2009

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Format: Hardcover, 40pp

Sales Rank: 945

Age Range: 4 to 7

ISBN-13: 9780439774970

ISBN: 0439774977

Description (from the publisher):
Far, far North, when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, the spirit of Christmas fills the air with Magic. Santa gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then with great care, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all dearly — and he knows what each one desires more than anything.

Lauren Thompson, known for her extraordinary ability to touch the hearts of the very youngest children, has created an uplifting and beautiful Christmas experience.

Jon J Muth's warm, enchanting artwork thrums with the kind of magic that makes reindeer fly!

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING

by E.T.A. Hoffman

illustrated by Gail De Marcken

Pub. Date: September 2009

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Format: Hardcover, 56pp

Sales Rank: 12,374

Age Range: 4 to 8

ISBN-13: 9780545037730

ISBN: 0545037735

Description (from the publisher):

On Christmas Eve, Godfather Drosselmeier has arrived with gifts of marvel and enchantment for his young godchildren. Delicious dancing figurines, a wonder-tree, beautiful books, an enticing castle, and a handsome Nutcracker doll. Goddaughther Marie falls in love with this bewitching doll and claims him as her own.

Yet when the clock strikes midnight, something terribly amazing happens to these handcrafted toys...they come alive. Marie is swept off her feet on an incredible journey with her Nutcracker in this astonishing classic story by E.T. A. Hoffman. Critically acclaimed artist Gail deMarcken's stunning and gorgeous illustrations capture this spellbinding tale of adventure, honor, and family.