The last two weeks have been particularly stressful, and I’ve gone on a bookish rampage (*guilty)* that doesn’t seem to show signs of letting up — not with the Manila International Book Fair coming up in a couple of weeks.
I was trawling at one of my favorite branches of a bargain bookstore today and found a Nutcracker finger puppet set! Now you know I collect all sorts of bookish miscellany – book gadgets, bookmarks, bookish toys, and practically anything book-related – so when I saw this battered box on the shelf, I couldn’t resist getting it for my collection. It was pretty cheap, too, at only P65, an awesome deal for four adorable finger puppets! Just in time, too, as September marks the start of the Christmas season here in the Philippines.
The Nutcracker, although more famous as the Tchaikovsky ballet,is actually based on the story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffman. Because “The Nutcracker Suite” is a lot simpler than the original story, it is often the story retold in contemporary adaptations, such as the oversized picture book I have (read a short review of the book and other Christmas picture books in this picture book flash review roundup).
The box of finger puppets contain the four main characters in The Nutcracker — I took a photo of each against the book illustrations done by Don Daily:
Marie
The Nutcracker
The Mouse King
The Sugar Plum Fairy
Aren’t they adorable?
Blooey, they are indeed adorable! Puppettos makes great stuff. You do find the best bargain things. I saw this version of ETA Hoffman’s Nutcracker as well recently, but held off buying it because the illustrations, while lovely, seem kind of frightening for small children, and I don’t want my son to be scared of the story!
Side note – as a former ballerina, the Nutcracker is close to my heart, and this year at our store we’re doing Nutcracker themed Christmas cards and gift tags. I will let you know when they become available! In fact, I am seriously thinking about tapping you as an artist, but I do know how busy you are.
Yeah, the illustrations are a bit dark, not for the younger kids, and it’s text-heavy too.
I’m still hunting down the Nutcracker done by Maurice Sendak, I think that’s a more suitable adaptation for younger readers.
Re- cards, interested to work on something. I need to de-stress!!! Seriously, let’s talk about it! :)
Those are SOOOOO cute!! Waaaa which bargain bookstore did you get it from? :) My preschool kids would LOOOOOVE them!
Booksale MOA. Only one box, I’m afraid. I’ve checked three other branches since then.
you are truly a scavenger extraordinaire, blooey! i mean that as a compliment!
Heehee, I do love scavenging — it makes the finds so much more precious!
Adorable finger puppets! Goodness, I doubt if I can find another box!
I’ve been trying to find another box to raffle off here but no luck, after seven branches! Guess it was one of those paydirt finds
Hi! Could you tell me where I could buy these exact nutcracker finger puppets? I have been looking to buy them!!! Thank you…
Oh, I got them here in the Philippines.