In this Texas-themed retelling of the classic Nutcracker story, historical details blend with fiction and magic warps reality at Fort Davis. It’s December 24, 1883 and Colonel Grierson has brought Centennia a nutcracker who looks just like a Texas soldier! When the clock strikes midnight the goose feather tree grows as she and the broken nutcracker are transported to a magical realm, where the Rattlesnake King attacks and the Bluebonnet Fairy invites her to a fabulous celebration. Dancing denizens of the Land of the Wildflowers entertain them before the nutcracker soldier tucks her under a cozy quilt. An author’s note gives a bit of historical context to this charming version of a familiar holiday tale.
Author and elementary school librarian Jennifer Coleman was born in Scotland before she and her family moved to Texas. She studied elementary education at Angelo State University and earned a MLS from the University of North Texas. With a specialty in learning resources, she frequently writes for Library Media Connections with a focus on how to use reading strategies to engage audiences. Coleman is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She shares a love of ballet with her daughter, who suggested the Texas-style Nutcracker story. Coleman and her family live in Pflugerville, Texas when they are not visiting nearby national parks.