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Noelle of the Nutcracker

spacer Noelle of the Nutcracker

Illustrated by Jan Brett
Houghton MIfflin Company, 978-0618-36922-5, paper
Ages 7-12

A brightly-woven old-fashioned Christmas tale of two little girls who both dream of owning a beautiful ballerina doll, but the doll has a dream of her own!

American Booksellers Association 'Pick of the List'

Reviews

Noelle of the Nutcracker Interior

"Jane's first book magically captures the dreams-can-come-true atmosphere of the holiday season...Jane is a skillful storyteller. A lovely novella any time of the year."— Publishers Weekly

"This book has all of the ingredients for a story aimed directly at many young girls...The ending is...just like magic. Maybe at Christmas time that's just how things should be."— School Library Journal

"A perfect seasonal read-aloud."—Kirkus Reviews

School Activities

Each character in a story has a special and unique point of view, and different and often conflicting dreams and goals. Noelle of the Nutcracker is told from two opposing points of view: Ilyana, a little girl who longs to own the beautiful ballet doll and Noelle, the doll, who dreams of dancing in the Nutcracker ballet.

Have the students:

Tell the story of Noelle from the point of view of Mary Jane, Ilyana's adversary, who schemes to get the doll for herself.

In December, celebrate the spirit of sharing and giving by having the students bring a special toy to school, one that has deep personal connection or meaning, and write a story from the toy's point of view, to be read aloud and shared with the class.

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