A Louisa May Alcott Christmas Book and Charm: Selected Holiday Stories and Poems

by Louisa May Alcott and Raina Moore

Oh, the beautiful old story Of the little child that lay In a manger on that morning, When the stars sang in the day ... One of America's most treasured authors, Louisa May Alcott shines her brightest in this collection of holiday stories and poems. Each selection radiates with the true meaning of the season -- charity, hope, kinship, and love. From the Bassett family's holiday meal in An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving to Little Effie receiving a grand...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060595426
• ISBN13: 9780060595425
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: HarperFestival
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

...these tales will warm your heart no matter how cold it is outside

Louisa May Alcott is known for her longer works such as LITTLE WOMEN and GOOD WIVES. While those tales stay bright in my heart and mind, it was her collection of holiday stories and poems found within the pages of A LOUISA MAY ALCOTT CHRISTMAS that have left the deepest impression on me. A LOUISA MAY ALCOTT CHRISTMAS contains 16 short stories, and 4 poems, each one about a different family spreading the joy of the holidays. AN OLD FASHIONED THANKSGIVING - It is November, 1881, and Thanksgiving has fallen upon the Bassett family household. Grandma is sick, so, as opposed to trekking out in the snow to spend the holidays with her, the girls prepare to make a wonderful Thanksgiving feast in their cozy, warm home; where they realize that home-spent Thanksgiving's can be just as rewarding as those where travel is involved. 4/5 stars. THE SILVER PARTY - Tony's mother realizes that his tiny cold is turning into a full-blown sickness, so demands that he stay home in bed on Thanksgiving until the splendid meal is laid out, while the rest of the family traipse through the snow and make merry. However, while lounging on the couch, Tony hears the silver speaking to one another. Forks, spoons, ladles, plates, and more, joining in idle gossip about him and his family, as he looks on in bewilderment. 4/5 stars. OH, THE BEAUTIFUL OLD STORY - A beautiful poem that discusses the story of Christ's birth in the manger, as the animals look on, and behold the birth of a legend. 5/5 stars. SOPHIE'S SECRET - Sixteen-year-old Sophie, a Swiss girl with money to burn in her pocket, feels excited to be in America, spending time with her new friends. But these so-called friends tend to tease her about everything - from the way she speaks, to why she hoards her money. So when she meets a hardworking, poor girl named Tilly, who dreams of someday attending school and learning, Sophie decides to make Tilly her holiday project, showering her with gifts that will make her dreams come true - much to the chagrin of her oft-times gossiping new friends. 5/5 stars. ROSA'S TALE - It is said that on Christmas Eve, for one hour after midnight, animals are given the gift of speech, to proclaim everything that's inside their minds and hearts. It is during this time that young Belinda rushes out to surprise her equine friend, Rosa, with a wonderful holiday feast, only to hear Rosa tell the sordid tale of her life, and her fears regarding her future. 5/5 stars. THE LITTLE RED PURSE - Lu received many things for her tenth birthday, but the one thing that excited her the most was the little red purse that matched her mother's, and the ten cents it held. Being a generous child, Lu quickly gives the ten cents to less-fortunate people around her. However, when she meets a poor child, begging for food for her ailing family, Lu decides to do even more, and collects as much money, presents, and food as she possibly can to present to her new friend, and her family, on Christmas morning. 5/5 star