The Twenty-four Days Before Christmas »

Best known as the writer of YA classics like A Wrinkle in Time, the prolific and eclectic Madeleine L'Engle penned adult fiction, poems, plays, memoirs, and religious meditations -- all infused with her trademark eloquence, imagination, and intellectual curiosity.

Vicky Austin’s family does one special thing each day of December to prepare for Christmas. This year, they’re also preparing for the birth of a new brother or sister, due after the New Year. Vicky is worried that the baby will come early—what kind of Christmas Eve would it be without Mother to help them hang up stockings and sing everyone to sleep with carols? This classic story of an old-fashioned Christmas is accompanied by merry illustrations by Jill Weber.

Children's Literature

This story follows the Austin family as they prepare for Christmas, the church pageant, and a new addition to the family. It is an excellent book to share joys of the holiday season with young children. Seven-year-old Vicky Austin represents all young children with her anticipation and participation for the holiday. The brightly colored illustrations throughout the book remind the reader of the joy of the season. The impending arrival of a new baby provides some suspense as there is concern Mother may not be at home for Christmas. And how will there be Christmas without Mother? The family's preparation for the holiday season is shown in-depth, and can be savored by young readers as they relate to their own family's plans. Vicky, her brother John and her little sister Suzy do something special every day during the twenty-four days leading up to Christmas to celebrate. Parents could use this story as a how-to guide to prepare similar activities for their children. This is the third book in the "Austin Family" series. Reviewer: Annie Laura Smith