The Lion in the Box — Marguerite de Angeli

Recently widowed, Mama would only be able to provide a meager Christmas for her five small children. Even though Mama could only get work occasionally, the family was rich in love and affection. The older girls did housework while Mama was away, and Lili looked after Ben and the baby. On Christmas Eve, the family spent an anxious evening that turned into one of the most extraordinary and memorable Christmases of their lives. This true story is set at the turn of the 20th century in New York City. Highly recommended as a Christmas read-aloud.