The Muttcracker - by Anna Kemp (Hardcover)

About the Book

Ballerina dog Biff must choose between dancing with his beloved human as a bonbon or grabbing an unexpected opportunity to be the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Book Synopsis

A pug pliés into the spotlight in this delightfully funny picture book about a dancing dog and an unforgettable Nutcracker ballet!

Biff is not like other dogs. He'd much rather plié than play fetch. So the second Miss Polly tells the ballet class they'll be performing The Nutcracker for their Christmas show, Biff starts dreaming of the fluffiest tutu! The twinkliest tiara! He wants to be the sugar plum fairy.

Instead he and his human are...bon bons. Woof.

Can Biff rally by Christmas and be the best bon bon in the box with his dazzling dance partner? Or will his dreams of the sugary spotlight break up the act?

Review Quotes

"This pleasant offering will appeal to dancers and will resonate with anyone who has ever had to overcome disappointment."--School Library Journal "August 8, 2025"

"Both a sweet friendship tale and an excellent encapsulation of the adage that there are no small parts, Kemp's addition to the Nutcracker canon is, like Biff, wholly original. Ogilvie's light, airy illustrations are a strong match for the text, bringing the story to life with grace and a bit of silliness....This doggy dancer will warm hearts (and incite a few giggles)."--Kirkus Reviews "June 15, 2025"

About the Author

Anna Kemp writes both picture books and middle grade fiction. Her books have been nominated for the Booktrust Early Years Award, the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, Oscar's Book Prize, and the Dundee Picture Book Award. Her work has also been adapted for television, puppetry, dance, orchestra, and theatre. Anna loves to visit schools and libraries and attend festivals. Visit her online at AnnaKemp-Author.com.

Sara Ogilvie is an illustrator and printmaker and was the 2011 BookTrust Best New Illustrators Award winner. Dogs Don't Do Ballet, which she illustrated, was shortlisted for the 2010 Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the 2010 BookTrust Early Years Award. Sara lives in lives in Newcastle upon Tyne in the north of England.