The Nutcracker comes to America: how three ballet-loving brothers created a holiday tradition

How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition

Written by Chris Barton, Illustrated by Cathy Gendron

The Christensen brothers were from Utah. During times spent in vaudeville, the military service, and apart, they never lost their love for dance and each other. A chance meeting with a music conductor, a Russian immigrant, in Portland, Oregon introduced them to a ballet known as the Nutcracker. From this meeting, the brothers staged the first American full-length version of The Nutcracker during Christmas of 1944 in San Francisco. This short history of the Christensen brothers is beautifully illustrated and just right for young readers. A perfect addition to our libraries for Utah history.

Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-6 or anyone who loves Utah history

Author Website: http://www.chrisbarton.info/

The Nutcracker comes to America: How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition
Written by Chris Barton, Illustrated by Cathy Gendron
Millbrook Press
36 pages
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Tags:

2015 Children's Nonfiction, Ballet, Ballet Picture Books, Brothers and Sisters, Cathy Gendron, Chris Barton, Christmas, Christmas Picture Books, Dance, Dance Picture Books, Harold Christensen, Illustrated Nofiction, Lew Christensen, Renee Larsen, The Nutcracker, Utah, Utah History, William F. Christensen