Illustrator Thea Kliros captures the mood and charm of E. T. A. Hoffmann's beloved classic in her simplified coloring book version of the original story. Thirty-six ready-to-color line drawings need only a touch of color from crayons, felt-tip pens, or colored pencils to bring a host of memorable characters and enchanting scenes to vivid life.

Coloring book enthusiasts can participate directly in the drama and fantasy of an engaging tale that imaginatively describes Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum household, the arrival of eccentric Godpapa Drosselmeyer, the presentation of the Nutcracker, the battle between Nutcracker and the seven-headed King of the Mice, adventures in Christmas Wood, and many other scenes.