“The Nutcracker” Podcast Read-Aloud and Free Guide
Looking for a magical way to enjoy The Nutcracker this holiday season? We are proud to offer an exclusive free printable companion guide to compliment The Nutcracker 14-episode chapter-by-chapter read-aloud series.
This guide is perfect for families, educators, and anyone wanting to dive deeper into this timeless holiday classic.
It’s packed with discussion guides, writing prompts, and Draw a Scene pages, making it an interactive and enriching activity for all ages.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is a beloved holiday classic written by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816.
This enchanting fairy tale tells the story of a young girl, Marie (often renamed Clara in adaptations), who receives a magical nutcracker as a Christmas gift.
That night, the nutcracker comes to life and battles the evil Mouse King, taking Marie on a journey to a fantastical world of sweets, toys, and adventure.
Hoffmann’s original story has inspired countless adaptations, including the famous ballet by Tchaikovsky, making it a cherished part of the holiday season.
14 Individual Chapters (Episodes) + The Full Book
“The Nutcracker” Read-Aloud Series on Podcast
Everyday Charlotte’s Nutcracker read-aloud is a delightful way to introduce this holiday classic to your family or supplement a unit study on classic children’s literature.
With chapter-focused episodes, listeners can experience the story in manageable sections or enjoy the entire book in one sitting with the final episode.
The Everyday Charlotte Podcast was designed to:
- Foster a love for living books and storytelling.
- Encourage deeper connections with classic stories through creative and reflective activities.
- Provide family-friendly podcast episodes that inspire learning and imagination.
Whether you’re homeschooling, building a holiday unit study, or simply creating magical Christmas memories, this podcast is a perfect fit.
Inspired by the teachings of Charlotte Mason and the belief that “education is a lifestyle,” Everyday Charlotte invites you to explore the world of classic literature, one chapter at a time.
In Beatrix Potter’s classic story, Mrs. Rabbit cautions her children—Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and the mischievous Peter—to steer clear of Mr. McGregor’s garden. While his sisters obey, Peter can’t resist temptation and sneaks under the gate to feast on vegetables. When Mr. McGregor spots him, Peter scrambles to escape, losing his tiny jacket and shoes in the process. Eventually, he returns home exhausted, only to be sent to bed by his mother with a dose of chamomile tea instead of the supper his well-behaved sisters enjoy.
Through Peter’s misadventures, the tale highlights the importance of listening to parental guidance and the consequences of disobedience—all wrapped up in a gentle, whimsical world that has charmed readers for generations.
Episode One from The Little Library of Beatrix Potter
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter is public domain.
Everyday Charlotte is owned and operated by Julie Boston.
The song used in this episode is “Happy Go Lucky” byVictor Lundberg with permission from Epidemic Sound.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to more episodes, visit everydaycharlotte.substack.com
For more fun supplementals visit: Once Upon a Printable
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit everydaycharlottepodcast.substack.com
What’s Inside “The Nutcracker” Companion Guide?
I don’t want to just offer you a read-aloud without some other physical way to help engage your entire family.
Not just for adults and not just for kids, It’s got something for everyone!
The free printable Nutcracker Companion Guide is exclusively for email subscribers and offers tools to make the story truly come alive:
Discussion Guides
- Tailored for both adults and children.
- Spark meaningful conversations about the characters, themes, and symbolism in The Nutcracker.
- Designed to connect with listeners of all ages.
Writing Prompts
- Encourage imaginative thinking and reflection on the story.
- Great for journaling or expanding holiday unit studies.
“Draw a Scene” Pages
- Visualize key moments from the story.
- Includes space for all ages of children to draw according to the prompt, or use the blank drawing page option and come up with their own!
Interactive Experience
- Questions and activities for each of the 14 chapters.
- Helps solidify understanding and deepen appreciation for this holiday literature classic.
How to Get the Companion Guide
This exclusive free printable is available exclusively to Once Upon a Printable subscribers. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to this guide and many other resources designed to enrich your family’s experience with living books.
After signing up in the box below, sign in, and gain immediate access to the entire site of free printables! (You may need to refresh your screen.) If you’re having trouble accessing the printables feel free to check out this FAQ section.
These free printables are a part of our exclusive subscriber library and are for personal use only. They are the exclusive property of Once Upon A Printable and may not be reproduced or used for commercial purposes without our written consent. Thank you for respecting our copyright.
Add On Even More to Your Holiday “Nutcracker” Unit
Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker is more than a Christmas fairy tale—it’s a story of courage, kindness, and imagination.
This podcast read-aloud and companion guide invite you to rediscover its timeless charm while engaging your family in a creative, reflective, and joyful way.
But if you need even more to add to this seasons goodness, try on some of these other great printables for size!
Julie, you are absolutely talented and how blessed WE are that you share it with us for free. Thank you so much for bringing my favorite story to life in a way I can enjoy it with my great-nieces and nephews for our story time. Your artistry is breathtaking. Love it. I will be definitely checking out more of your site and sending people your way!!
Thank you so much for these wonderful comments! They truly mean so much to me. You’re very welcome! I am so glad you will get some enjoyment and use out of my creations.