Established in 1968, the Wheaton Literary Series provides insightful books for the thoughtful reader, inspiring imagination, and reflection. These ...
read full description
reviews
Dec 25, 2011
Josiah
rated it: 
This book would land in the three-and-a-half to four-star range for me.
The power of this book is belied by its brevity. Madeleine L'Engle lovingly paints the life of the well-known Austin family as the days go by on the way to Christmas. Vicky Austin's imminent role as an angel in the church's Christmas pageant is the centerpiece to the story, as she tries her best to overcome the clumsiness that seems so natural to her. At the same time, the Austin's await the advent of their soon-to-be- More...
The power of this book is belied by its brevity. Madeleine L'Engle lovingly paints the life of the well-known Austin family as the days go by on the way to Christmas. Vicky Austin's imminent role as an angel in the church's Christmas pageant is the centerpiece to the story, as she tries her best to overcome the clumsiness that seems so natural to her. At the same time, the Austin's await the advent of their soon-to-be- More...
3 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Dec 10, 2011
Ashley
rated it: 
Okay, so I love Madeleine L'Engle. Growing up, A Wrinkle in Time was my favorite book, and I still own it plus the rest of that series. But,I can't see how any kid would actually like The Twenty-Four Days Before Christmas. Even though it's such a quick read, and I thought the traditions were interesting, and I freaking love Christmas, I still almost didn't finish it. I mean, come on, it's 71 pages and I almost gave up? Yeah, obviously I really did not enjoy it.
I read it immediately aft More...
I read it immediately aft More...
Dec 07, 2010
Kathryn
rated it:
A cozy, heartwarming and thoughtful first story in the Austin family series by Madeline L'Engle centering around the family's preparations for Christmas. The focus is on middle child Vicky, who is the youngest ever to be chosen to play the Angel in the Christmas Pageant. She is so thrilled and practicing for the role helps her overcome her awkwardness and lack of self-confidence. And she is excited about the new baby on the way. But when she realizes that the baby might just come over Christ
More...
12 comments
like
(4 people liked it)
Oct 19, 2011
Cassandra
rated it:
3.5 stars
What an endearing read. I somehow missed branching out from The Wrinkle in Time series when I was a child. This book was my first exposure to the Austin family, though I do have one other book about them checked out from the library.
There is a bit too much selfish whining about a baby being born before Christmas, but it's probably a very accurate attitude for a seven year old. I would be upset if my mom might not be able to come to my play for my first speaking More...
What an endearing read. I somehow missed branching out from The Wrinkle in Time series when I was a child. This book was my first exposure to the Austin family, though I do have one other book about them checked out from the library.
There is a bit too much selfish whining about a baby being born before Christmas, but it's probably a very accurate attitude for a seven year old. I would be upset if my mom might not be able to come to my play for my first speaking More...
Dec 22, 2008
Laurie
rated it: 
One of the books in my Christmas box, so I read it every year. Like a number of L'Engle's books, it is charming but flawed--mainly in that Vicky's voice is that of an adult, or at least the teenaged Vicky, not a seven-year-old. Nevertheless, it's always nice to read about the Austins (even though they're even more idyllic than usual in this short book). Every year I find myself thinking about having one special thing for each day leading up to Christmas, and this year it occurred to me that Mrs.
More...
Dec 19, 2010
Dolly
rated it:
This is a nice story to read at Christmastime. It is a good way to remember the true meaning of Christmas, beyond the commercial and materialistic shopping frenzy it has become. We liked the idea of celebrating the twenty-four days of December before Christmas in a special and unique way, kind of a living Advent. We haven't read many books by Madeleine L'Engle yet, but I will be sure to look for some at our local library. We'd like to read more of books in The Austin Family series. I discov
More...
Dec 02, 2010
Mary
rated it:
This is the first Austin Family story I've read and it was OK. My main problem was that the voice of the seven year old narrator was more the voice of a teenager or adult. This would have been acceptable if it was a memoir - but everything was taking place in the present tense. Having said that, it was a kind of a sweet story about getting ready for Christmas.
Nov 12, 2009
Room 605
rated it: 
I love Madeleine L'Engle and I got this title as a recommendation from a friend. I enjoyed it, but it is very elementary in reading level even though it has a hear-felt message. After reading it I found it is in a series that spans the main character's growing up years. The rest of them might be more for middle school students.
Dec 11, 2011
Kim
rated it:
This sweet short story (only 48 pages) with beautiful spot illustrations may hold more appeal for the adults who grew up with Vicky Austin and her family than for most of today's kids, but it will find an audience with middle graders looking for a nostalgic glimpse into one family's Christmas traditions.
Jan 22, 2009
Tricia
rated it:
I've been a big fan of Madelaine L'Engle since forever, but I didn't know about this book until recently. I enjoyed it quite a bit - I liked how the family celebrated Advent by doing a different "special thing" every day. And their special things were so homey and in touch with nature.
Dec 02, 2011
Amanda
rated it: 
Just read this in preparation for reading it to my kids. So wholesome and wonderful. I want my family to be like the Austin's!
Dec 09, 2011
Christie
rated it:
This was a very sweet book. I look forward to reading it as a Christmas tradition.
Dec 25, 2011
Courtney
rated it:
Cute but I kind of expected something more substantial form L'Engle.
Jul 23, 2011
Jes
rated it:
This was a cute little book, that would make a nice edition to a Christmas book collection, to be taken out and read each December. But I don't understand why it is book #3 in the Austen family series? It's chronologically #1. Is the numbering for the Austen series based on publications? I don't understand.
Either way. I'm glad to be reading through the Austen series, and am looking forward to The Young Unicorns next.
Either way. I'm glad to be reading through the Austen series, and am looking forward to The Young Unicorns next.
Jan 06, 2010
Margaret
rated it:
A family book to be read throughout the month of December. Great gift
Dec 03, 2007
Grace
rated it:
A nice Christmas story, but also a nice family drama story. Told from the point of view of a child, but it's not really a children's story. I read it when I was fairly young, and enjoyed it a lot--so it's really an all-ages book.
Feb 02, 2008
Photogirl
rated it:
One of L'Engle's rarer books that I was lukcy enough to find at the local library. A lovely little story about 8-year old Vikki Austin (who appears in L'Engle's young adult books).
Nov 25, 2009
Peggy
rated it:
I think I was expecting something more along the lines of A Winkle in Time that has a deep story under the words, but this was a very elementary read. A sweet story, but not my favorite.
Jan 31, 2008
Jen
rated it:
This is one of my most favorite Christmas stories. It's so cozy. And it's a fast chapter book that you can read in an evening.
