Stefan Drosselmeyer is a reluctant apprentice to his toymaker father until the day his world is turned upside down. His father is kidnapped and Stefan is enlisted by his mysterious cousin, Christian, to find a mythical nut called the krakatook, the only cure the Mouse Queen's curse. Embarking on a wild adventure through Germany and beyond, Stefan must save Boldavia's princess and his own father from the fanatical Mouse Queen and her seven-headed Mouse Prince. Based on the original inspiration for the Nutcracker ballet, this fascinating journey through a world of toymaking, magical curses, clockmaking guilds, talking mice and erudite squirrels will have readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Author Biography

Sherri L. Smith (www.sherrilsmith.com ) is the author of several novels for young adults, including the critically acclaimed Flygirl and Orleans. She lives in Los Angeles, California. Follow her on Twitter: @Sherri_L_Smith