Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Book Review: The 24 Days Before Christmas

"The 24 Days Before Christmas" by the late Madeleine L'Engle is a Christmas story about L'Engle's "Austin" family. L'Engle wrote numerous middle grade chapter books about the Austins, but this shorter book is for younger children. "24 Days" is hardly your classical "green" read, but it's a wholesome, charming story about a family who lives the simpler life many of us would wish for. It's also one of my favorite Christmas story books. It's a little long (my copy is 42 pages with only occasional pictures), but my preschooler wouldn't let me quit until I read him the whole thing. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Readers: Parents with primary grades age children and all those who love a good childrens' book.

It appears that "24 Days" is currently out of print. I found a link (above) that leads to several used copies. I don't think this was one of L'Engle's best sellers, but it should have been.

3 comments:

Jenifer@SkookumsLog said...

I have a soft spot for childrens books and I keep a few in my shelves even though we don't have kiddies of our own. Some of my most beloved books are from my childhood. L'Engle is a marvelous writer. I will seek this one out. Thank you for the review.
SeattleRainyDayBookBlog.blogspot.com

Green Bean said...

This looks wonderful. I've never heard of it before. I wonder if there's any chance my library might have it . . . off to check.

Donna said...

Jennifer: My favorite books are from my childhood, too, but especially those by L'Engle. I got to attend a writers' workshop she gave when I was in college.

GB: I hope you can find it! The cover may look different, but if it's by L'Engle, it's the same book.