Favorite book version of "The Nutcracker?"

[citymama]

My MIL and I are taking DD to the SF Ballet's Nutcracker in December. I think MIL is getting us fancy-schmancy seats so I hope DD will sit through it! I want to get her a copy of the Nutcracker story before we go - there are so many versions out there, though. Anyone have a recommendation for a version that will tell the story, nice illustrations and appeal to a 3-4 year old? Thanks!

[LittlePrince_Mom]

I looked for the book before taking DS to the ballet for the first time in Dec 2 years ago. I was surprised book stores didn't carry it. I ended up buying the only one I found:
"The Nutcracker Ballet" by Vladimir Vagin published by Scholastic Inc.
It is short, has nice illustrations and was reminiscent of the ballet (we see the NY ballet). I'm taking my 6yo and 3yo twins next month and am planning on reading the book with them again. It's become one of my 6yo's favorites. Enjoy

[lizzywednesday]

My brother Gerald and I loved this one when we were kids, but I should warn you that the original story as it is told in this book has a couple more scary moments than the ballet:

http://www.amazon.com/Nutcracker-E-T-Hoffmann/dp/060961049X/ref=sr_1_57?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258927914&sr=1-57

It didn't bother Ger and I, but we are strange kids.

[mommyapb]

I second "The Nutcracker Ballet" by Vladimir Vagin published by Scholastic Inc.

It is DD favorite book year round. We also have The Nutcracker Ballet DVD that DD loves: http://www.amazon.com/George-Balanchines-Nutcracker-Macaulay-Culkin/dp/6304698577

[twindad]

My wife just ordered, My First Nutcracker, but it hasn't arrived yet.

http://www.amazon.com/First-Nutcracker-Stephanie-True-Peters/dp/0525476873/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258993114&sr=1-1