The Twenty-four Days Before Christmas: An Austin Family Story
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.
Originally published in 1964.
Genre: Childrens / Holiday
Other Books in the Series
Reviews
“Repackaged, with Weber’s full-color spot illustrations to add visual interest, this should make for agreeable, alternative holiday read-aloud.”
―Kirkus Reviews
“This new edition of a story first published in 1984 includes unobtrusive spot illustrations done in an inviting folk-art style; readers will feel as though they’re glimpsing the Austins’ very own well-loved ornaments and other holiday memorabilia. Compact trim size further highlights the coziness of the family drama.”
―Horn Book Magazine
Articles
“A Madeleine L’Engle Christmas Read-Aloud for the Whole Family”
Tina Chen, 2015 / Desperate Homeschoolers
“A Daily Christmas Calendar Can Heighten Anticipation and Manage Stress”
Rebecca Onion, 2016 / Slate