The Muttcracker

Biff the dog is not like other dogs. He’s a ballerina!

This year, he and his owner are going to be in The Nutcracker. Biff longs to be the Sugar Plum Fairy, but he and the little girl are cast as bonbons. He's initially downcast, but they practise together, determined to be the very best bonbons in the box.

But then the Sugar Plum Fairy feels sick on the day of the performance. Will Biff take his chance? 

This follow-up to Dogs Don’t Do Ballet is an absolute cracker. If that book was about accepting friends for who they are, this is about accepting that you can’t always be the star: sometimes you have to be a bonbon, but you may as well be the best bonbon you can be - and the most important thing is not to let down your friends.

This message is delivered in an utterly delightful way, with the two dancers whirling and twirling in their vibrant bonbon costumes. The illustrations are full of delicious energy and detail – and the supportive dad is the cherry on the cake. A festive treat, but worth reading all year round.