From the Vault: The Rat King

Published in 1986, 'It' is a horror novel by Stephen King that follows the experiences of seven children in Derry, Maine, as they are terrorized by an evil entity known as 'It'. The story alternates between two periods: 1958, when the children first encounter 'It', and 1985, when they reunite as adults to confront the monster once more. 'It' takes on various forms to exploit the fears of its victims, most commonly appearing as the clown Pennywise. The novel explores themes of childhood trauma, the power of memory, and the enduring impact of evil on the lives of its victims. It is known for its detailed world-building and the vivid depiction of the fictional town of Derry, where the story unfolds.

The story follows Marie, a young girl who receives a nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. As the night unfolds, the nutcracker comes to life and leads an army of toys against the seven-headed Mouse King. The tale involves a magical world, curses, and the ultimate triumph of the nutcracker with Marie's help. Natalie Andrewson's adaptation retains the dark and fantastical elements of Hoffmann's original while adding a modern and illustrative twist.