As a librarian who frequently helps young readers seeking stories about dogs, I was excited about The Muttcracker, featuring Biff – the lovable, ballet-obsessed dog. Created by the team behind Dogs Don’t Do Ballet, this book is a fantastic addition to our holiday picture book collection.

In this latest adventure, Biff and his human partner are preparing for their ballet school’s production of The Nutcracker. While Biff sets his sights on the starring role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, he and his partner are instead cast as bonbons. The heart of the story lies in how Biff overcomes this initial disappointment to support his partner and become “the best bonbon in the box”.

Why Add another holiday book to your library?

• Emotional Resonance: It provides a perfect springboard for discussing how to handle disappointment and the idea that “there are no small parts”.
• Dynamic Visuals: Sara Ogilvie’s whimsical illustrations are energetic and move the story forward with grace and plenty of giggles.
• Broad Appeal: While it has a festive Christmas setting, its themes of friendship and persistence make it a strong choice for general collections all year round.