The Nutcracker

Written by Karen Kain

Paintings by Rajka Kupesic

“The Nutcracker is a classic Christmas story that is beautifully told by internationally renowned ballerina Karen Kain and marvelously illustrated by the museum quality artwork of Rajka Kupesic.”
-Book Reviews

Karen Kain’s story-telling style is simple yet elegant, with plenty of conversation and just the right amount of description to accompany artist Rajka Kupesic’s magnificent oil paintings.”
- CM Magazine

“There can be no doubt that the beauty of this stunning picture book is due to Rajka Kupesic’s sumptuous illustrations. Kupesic began her career as a professional ballerina, performing extensively throughout Europe and her native Croatia. Today, she is both a painter and a dance instructor, maintaining her passion for the two art forms. In The Nutcracker, she has given her remarkable ability for handling detail, colour and mood full rein. Each illustration depicting the real and dream landscapes of nineteenth century Russia is lovingly rendered in brilliant oil paintings.”
- Review by Valerie Nielsen
- Retired Teacher-Librarian, Winnipeg, MB

Artist Rajka Kupesic – herself a classically trained ballerina – has painted a sparkling world of Russian palaces and forests, sleighs and graceful dancers who make dreams come true.
- The Chronical Herald, Halifax, NS – December 6, 2005

“Rich in texture, detail, and glowing colour, Rajka Kupesic’s illustrations…create a world of romance, beauty, and magic…”
- Quill & Quire

“The striking paintings used to illustrate the book were created by artist Rajka Kupesic, who was a professional ballet dancer in Europe and danced with the National Ballet of Canada for a year before taking up painting full-time. The book’s sumptuous feeling is enhanced by gilded page edges.”
- Janice Mawhinney, The Toronto Star, Dec. 3, 2005