The magic of Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker comes to life in this theatrical pop-up book created by papercut artist Shobhna Patel, whose delicate laser-cut pop-ups will enchant readers young and old. Patel has invented a new paper-engineering technique called the "paperscope," which is used for the first time in this charming book.

The classic story begins on Christmas Eve when a little girl named Clara and her brother Fritz are gathered around the Christmas tree to celebrate with family and friends. Their mysterious uncle, Drosselmeyer the toy maker, gives Clara a...