The Carnival of the Animals African American dancer This handsome nutcracker is hand-painted

This handsome nutcracker is hand-painted and imported from the Ulbricht/Seiffener factory in Germany

introduces the reader (whatever his or her level of musical knowledge) to all the elements that make up opera

white fur robe and an ornately decorated star topped crown

Photos by Angela Sterling

The Carnival of the Animals African American dancer This handsome nutcracker is hand-paintedA great way to introduce children to classical music. Americas first Childrens Poet Laureate has written all new verses to accompany the composer Camille Saint Sanss The Carnival of the Animals, and the illustrator of the Harry Potter books has turned these rollicking rhymes into a picture book fun fest. Included is a CD of the music and of Jack Prelutsky reading the verses. A note to parents and teachers by Judith Bachleitner, head of the music