What a lovely story that is based on the nutcracker
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful
A perfect Christmas read

I love Katherine Woodfine, and found the Sinclair's Mysteries the best new series of the 2010's for 9-12, engaging, funny and well paced whilst packed with knowledge and ideas. This book is an expansion of a short story featured in a collection of winter stories that was rather forgettable, and whilst a very commercial prospect and pleasantly illustrated, I didn't find this as engaging. I'm a huge ballet fan, but not a Nutcracker fan, so bring my own bias here I know. This is definitely a potentially huge seller and a very clever prospect, rather than another retelling of a not great story, and I loved the historical notes at the end.

I thought that this was such a lovely read and it us the perfect story for this time of the year too.

I loved the re-telling of the story and the illustrations were really good and they helped bring the emotions of the story to life, the writing was wonderful and I loved the ending too – such a delightful read, I loved it.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, it was wonderful from start to finish – very highly recommended!

This is a really lovely book, telling the fictionalised story of the first performance of the Nutcracker ballet. As the synopsis above mentions it tells the story of Stana who is picked to play the lead role of Clara. As well as worrying if she’s up to take on the part she has a huge worry closer to home. I loved the way the author and illustrator wove both these fears into the story. The text is lovely and illustrations that accompany it are just gorgeous. I love Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and always wanted to see the ballet and this book brought me closer to doing that. I think this book would be a wonderful Christmas present for any child who loves the Nutcracker or who is yet to discover it!

Dreamy, delightful and dashingly dazzling, A Dancer's Dream will whisk you away to snowy St. Petersburg and bring to life the inspiring story behind the first ever performance of the much-loved Christmas classic, The Nutcracker.

An enchanting story of the world famous The Nutcracker ballet. Historically this play, though perhaps the most popular now, was met with harsh criticism when it first opened.
This beautifully illustrated book takes us on the journey of the first ballet dancers to appear in the production. Though written as a fictional story, there are truths behind the story.
Stana lives and dances ballet in Russia, living away from her family. Sister, Olga is very ill and her medicines and treatments are costing a lot of money. It is an honour for the family when Stana is chosen to dance the premier role of Clara. Though her friends were jealous, she did a lovely performance and the composer, Tchaikovsky is well impressed with her.
I think for me it was so lovely to see a new perspective on this world famous ballet. I can’t imagine why the critics didn’t immediately fall under the spell of the music. For me, hearing the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies is the sound of Christmas and brings to mind images of little ballerinas all dancing together. This book is glorious and would make a wonderful gift for Christmas!

This was such a lovely story! The kind of thing I can imagine myself reading every christmas eve (Along with the nutcracker which I always read every christmas) I dont think the Kindle edition did the illustrations justice and so I am looking forward to seeing this in print!

What a beautiful, magical story!
Whilst following Stana's story I could imagine it perfectly and it felt like I was in a winter wonderland.
Lovely story, and cute little pictures too - fantastic all round book, that all little girls will love. Although I am sure there are plenty of boys that will too.

Reading A Dancer's Dream I felt as if I was in the midst of a snowy city, far away, with twinkling lights and the music of Tchaikovsky floating through the air. Katherine Woodfine's writing is so wonderfully atmospheric and this is the perfect winter tale.

A Dancer's Dream is a beautiful and compelling book, which weaves the story of The Nutcracker which we know so well, with the tale of a dancer, Stana, who is chosen to perform the role of Clara in the ballet's debut performance. Stana's sister is poorly and she thinks if only she can perform well and help make the ballet a success then her sister will be well again.

Full of dance, beauty and wonder, and with stunning, festive images, this is a magical book for the winter season.

It’s Christmas and what could be better than the beautiful Nutcracker ballet? This gorgeous picture book is set at the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg the very first year the classic ballet was performed. All the girls are vying for the role of Clara. When Stana is chosen, she can’t believe it! Mr. Tchaikovsky’s music and kindness change her life. Stana’s little sister is ill but every step she dances gives her hope.

Based on the true story of the creation of the Nutcracker ballet, this is a lovely story of passion for dancing, determination and dedication. The underlying themes of family and love make for a happy, hopeful Christmas story. I know my little dancer will love it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Books for this beautiful story!