(2) K-3 Illustrated by Alea Marley. Cast in the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker, young Charlotte (the first Black Marie in the company's history) shares the holiday spirit with audiences for the entire season, then enjoys Christmas with her family: making Trinidadian pastelles, searching for the pickle ornament on the tree, and smashing a peppermint pig. Author Nebres, who danced Marie in 2019 when she was just eleven, writes a spare but sensory-rich narrative that emphasizes inclusion, representation, and the amount of work it took to realize her dream. Marley's inviting cartoon illustrations in soft pastel colors play with light and create a cozy holiday atmosphere.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2021