We’re rounding out our first week of books with a twofer, perfect for little ones who love the classic holiday tradition of the Nutcracker!

In The Muttcracker, readers meet Biff the dog, a canine who much prefers pliés and ronds de jambe to rolling over or playing dead! But when the cast list for the Nutcracker is posted, Biff and his human are crushed to be cast as background dancers. But when Biff gets the opportunity to step into the spotlight alone, will he leave his partner behind? A warm tale of friendship and teamwork, this story is perfect for ballet and dog lovers alike.

In Interrupting Chicken Saves the Nutcracker, fans of the series will be delighted to see the return of the precociously “helpful” Chicken, this time on a trip to the ballet with Papa. But while her disruptions are well-intentioned, they earn the ire of both the performers and the audience… that is, until her creative spin on the tale gives new life to the dance! Deliciously silly, this one is full of holiday giggles that invite readers to be in on the joke.

Thanks so much to SimonKIDS and Candlewick for sending us copies of these!