Nutcracker - Colorful Little Classic

Author: Hoffmann (Germany)/Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Martha said, "There's nothing to be afraid of. I'll go find your father right now and see if he can think of a better way." After Martha's mother finished speaking, she went to find Martha's father. After Martha's mother left, she choked up and poured out her sorrows to her beloved little doll, "Dear Nutcracker, what should I do now? He asked for my silk dress and picture book today, and who knows what he'll want tomorrow! If I don't give it to him, he'll bite me, and maybe he'll even bite you! What should I do?" As she spoke, Martha couldn't help but tear up. Looking at the Nutcracker, she suddenly felt as if he had something to say, so she hesitantly brought her ear close to his mouth. To her surprise, she heard a very gentle voice: "My dear Martha, thank you for doing so much for me. I won't let you be sad or upset anymore! Tonight, please help me find a sword. I want to kill that hateful Mouse King myself! Remember, only tonight can kill him!" Martha's mouth fell open in astonishment. She was eager to hear what the Nutcracker had to say—why must it be tonight and not tomorrow? But the Nutcracker reverted to his old self, saying nothing more. However, she could still see a hint of gentleness in his eyes. This gave Martha great encouragement, and she secretly jumped with joy. Where could she find a sword? Her brother Fritz surely had one, but she couldn't tell her parents. Having made up her mind, Martha went to find her brother Fritz. After Fritz learned what had happened, he didn't hesitate and picked out a sharp sword from his cavalry. Together, they equipped the Nutcracker with the sword. Now, the Nutcracker looked so majestic that even Fritz couldn't help but take a second look!
It was late at night, and everyone was asleep except for Martha, who couldn't fall asleep due to excitement. She kept remembering what the Nutcracker had said: "Tonight, please help me find a sword. I want to kill that hateful Mouse King myself!" Her hands were sweating with nervousness, but she believed the Nutcracker could kill the Mouse King! Just then, Martha heard a fierce battle outside the living room, and she almost jumped out of bed! She strained her ears and suddenly heard a harsh "chirp-chirp-chirp," followed by silence. Worried about what had happened to the Nutcracker, she soon heard a polite knock at the door, followed by the familiar voice: "Dear Martha, I have good news for you!" The door opened, revealing a strange boy holding a bloody sword in one hand and a candle in the other. His face was illuminated by the candlelight, looking handsome and charming. As soon as he saw Martha, he knelt down on one knee with great courtesy and said, "My dear Martha, I am your Nutcracker doll. Your courage and kindness gave me the strength to kill the hateful Mouse King and finally break that cruel curse! Now, I present you with the Mouse King's crown as a victory gift. Please accept it!" P108-116