Nicholas Nutcracker and Brittany Ballerina

Please allow me to introduce the second edition of my Christmas picture book for girls Nicholas Nutcracker & Brittany Ballerina. It's about two lonely Christmas tree ornaments, Nicholas Nutcracker, a retired toy-soldier from a small village in Germany, and Brittany Ballerina, a world-renowned ornament ballet dancer. Nicholas & Brittany are both ready to find their true love before they go back into their boxes in the attic for another year.

There's grandparents. There's an oh-so-cute dog, Bellamy, the basset hound. There's friends like Jolly Old St Nick, Kelly Tea Kettle, Rocky Rocking Horse, and Brittany's best friend, Irene Ice Skate. After Grandmother carefully hung all the ornaments on the tree, she announces "The tree and ornaments look perfect! It's time to get the party started with "The Annual Meet and Mingle of the Ornaments."

After Nicholas spots Brittany on the tree, he knows it's love at first sight. But, now he needs Grandmother to move him closer to Brittany. He gestures every way he can imagine: silent yelling, fanciful arm-waving, make-believe foot stomping. Finally though, Bellamy comes to the rescue when he accidentally bumps the tree. And the rest is history.

D. Donovan with Midwest Book Review says "kids with good reading skills or read-aloud parent will find A Christmas Love Story a warm tale of ballet aspirations, romance, and overcoming obstacles set against a holiday backdrop that is beautifully rendered, nicely illustrated with colorful drawings by Anastasiia K. and just the ticket for an original holiday read.

A simplified title and second edition comes out November 10, 2025 just in time for Christmas. It's sweet. It's old-fashioned. Good for night-time read! It's all about the search for true love. And, it is a perfect Christmas book for girls ages 4 to 8.