Anna Kemp writes both picture books and middle grade fiction. Her books have been nominated for the Booktrust Early Years Award, the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, Oscar's Book Prize, and the Dundee Picture Book Award. Her work has also been adapted for television, puppetry, dance, orchestra, and theatre. Anna loves to visit schools and libraries and attend festivals. Visit her online at AnnaKemp-Author.com.

Sara Ogilvie is an illustrator and printmaker and was the 2011 BookTrust Best New Illustrators Award winner. Dogs Don't Do Ballet, which she illustrated, was shortlisted for the 2010 Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the 2010 BookTrust Early Years Award. Sara lives in lives in Newcastle upon Tyne in the north of England.

"Both a sweet friendship tale and an excellent encapsulation of the adage that there are no small parts, Kemp's addition to the Nutcracker canon is, like Biff, wholly original. Ogilvie's light, airy illustrations are a strong match for the text, bringing the story to life with grace and a bit of silliness....This doggy dancer will warm hearts (and incite a few giggles)."--Kirkus Reviews "June 15, 2025"

"This pleasant offering will appeal to dancers and will resonate with anyone who has ever had to overcome disappointment."--School Library Journal "August 8, 2025"

"Energetic story of friendship and of making the best of things. And do our protagonists impress? You bet your bonbon."--The Horn Book

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books

Pub date: 2025-09-09

Length: 32 pages