Tchaikovsky and children’s apps: together at last! And if that sounds a bit highbrow, don’t worry: developer Timbuktu Labs’ The Nutcracker app is a lovely thing.

Released for iOS this week, it tells the tale of the famous ballet in words, animation and music, including some orchestral excerpts that you’ll recognise at once.

The app is full of character too: bold, colourful illustrations, and a clever design that sees you swipe upwards to scroll smoothly down the story, triggering animations as you go. No page-turning here.

Interactive bits include tapping on a clock to make it strike eight o’clock, putting the Nutcracker character back together by dragging its pieces into place, and tapping various objects to strike up melodies from the ballet.

It’s beautifully put together, although there’s no voice narration – hence the suggestion that it’s for children older than six years old, who’ll be able to read the words.

The Nutcracker by Timbuktu costs 69p on the App Store, and at that price it’s a steal. It runs on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and if you like this, check out the company’s previous app, iPad mag-for-kids Timbuktu, which is just as well-crafted.