TRANSCRIBER’S NOTESInconsistencies in hyphenation have been retained; however, some mid-paragraph illustrations have been moved to the beginning of the chapter. Click the illustrations to view larger versions. |
A fairy tale set in a hidden valley inhabited by tiny rootmen follows their king and his inquisitive daughter when visiting puppet-like entertainers, a Nutcracker and a Harlequin, arrive. Playful festivities give way to magic as toys come to life, producing a courtship, the establishment of a proud puppet-kingdom, and a tyrannical turn that provokes war with animated armies and marauding rats. The plot moves through collapse and loss to the princess's rescue and the community's recovery, while children and birdcatchers uncover treasures and a foundling's identity is revealed. Episodes blend whimsical adventure with darker consequences, exploring power, folly, and communal resilience.
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTESInconsistencies in hyphenation have been retained; however, some mid-paragraph illustrations have been moved to the beginning of the chapter. Click the illustrations to view larger versions. |