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The Lion in the Box
Retells the events of a special Christmas for a poor family in New York City at the turn of the century.
63 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1975
About the author
Marguerite de Angeli
73 books85 followersMarguerite de Angeli was an American writer and illustrator of children's books including the 1950 Newbery Award winning book The Door in the Wall. She wrote and illustrated twenty-eight of her own books, and illustrated more than three dozen books and numerous magazine stories and articles for other authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 15, 2019
A week or so ago a young mother told a group of us she was reading this In Morning Time with her children. If I am honest, I will admit I felt a pang. I would never read this in Morning Time again. But when I was heading out the door to babysit my granddaughters this weekend I remembered and grabbed this book and several others. Today, off and on, I read this aloud to Bella and Vanna and they listened! Tonight we finished it. I consider this nothing short of a gift from God. I am grateful.
December 14, 2023
A sweet nostalgic Christmas tale based on a true story-pure delight!
December 19, 2010
This wonderful book by Marguerite De Angeli, is a childhood memory that I will never forget. The Lion in the Box: A Christmas Story, was a part of almost every single Christmas of my childhood. My mom would read to us every night and this book along with The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, was always on the list. I looked forward to this book every year and begged to read it again when it was over.
I just finished it for probably the 50th time this morning and I am still touched by its simple message. The Lion in the Box is about a poor widow with five small children. Her husband has recently died and her home has burned to the ground. She struggles to feed her children and provide Christmas for them on the small amount of money she makes from cleaning offices. Lilli, the middle child, who is about seven during the book, longs for a doll. A real doll. One that she can hug without it collapsing, as the only doll she has right now is a folded tea towel that will collapse if she hugs it. Her little brother wishes for a train but plays with a pickle bottle instead. These children help their mother the best they can and know that asking for toys would be above what their mother can pay for.
They struggle, but they survive and they love each other very much. When Christmas Eve comes a large box comes to their front door that could contain a lion or maybe something better....
This tale of generosity, service and hard work is a beautiful Christmas story, one that I will read to my little girl when she is a little bit older. It is a short book, I finished it in probably twenty minutes this morning but its message shines through. It is written for a very young audience but I don't believe it dulls the message.
The most wonderful thing about this book is that it is based on a true story. Although some parts are fictionalized because the author herself was not there to witness these events, these children and their beautiful Christmas gift did exist. At the end of the story, the author writes a short epilogue that allows you to know what became of each child. I always loved knowing as a child that the story really happened. I imagined myself there on that Christmas morning more than once as I was growing up.
It is a simple story. There are no frills in its telling, but it is beautiful. It will always be a part of Christmas time in our house.
I just finished it for probably the 50th time this morning and I am still touched by its simple message. The Lion in the Box is about a poor widow with five small children. Her husband has recently died and her home has burned to the ground. She struggles to feed her children and provide Christmas for them on the small amount of money she makes from cleaning offices. Lilli, the middle child, who is about seven during the book, longs for a doll. A real doll. One that she can hug without it collapsing, as the only doll she has right now is a folded tea towel that will collapse if she hugs it. Her little brother wishes for a train but plays with a pickle bottle instead. These children help their mother the best they can and know that asking for toys would be above what their mother can pay for.
They struggle, but they survive and they love each other very much. When Christmas Eve comes a large box comes to their front door that could contain a lion or maybe something better....
This tale of generosity, service and hard work is a beautiful Christmas story, one that I will read to my little girl when she is a little bit older. It is a short book, I finished it in probably twenty minutes this morning but its message shines through. It is written for a very young audience but I don't believe it dulls the message.
The most wonderful thing about this book is that it is based on a true story. Although some parts are fictionalized because the author herself was not there to witness these events, these children and their beautiful Christmas gift did exist. At the end of the story, the author writes a short epilogue that allows you to know what became of each child. I always loved knowing as a child that the story really happened. I imagined myself there on that Christmas morning more than once as I was growing up.
It is a simple story. There are no frills in its telling, but it is beautiful. It will always be a part of Christmas time in our house.
December 25, 2023
Based on the life story of de Angeli's friend, The Lion in the Box tells of a Christmas miracle for a poor family in New York City. Recently widowed Mama works nights cleaning offices, and her five children shift for themselves in the evenings. It's a simple, sweet tale of generosity, patience, and love.
December 3, 2023
One of the most comforting and sweet Christmas stories I've read this season. Full of cozy domestic details and holiday magic. I can't say enough about this book! I was so happy that there were black and white illustrations sprinkled here and there because it gave you a tiny glimpse at the appearances of the family and their surroundings. I was very tempted to reread it as soon as I finished it. If I didn't have a pile of Christmas books I wanted to read right now, I would have. Highly, highly recommended. I can't wait to read more books by this author!
November 16, 2022
This is a positively wonderful, enriching story!
A poor family receives an enormous box at Christmas. Is there a lion inside, as the delivery man suggests, or something else?
This is one of the best tales I've read about giving! If you want your children to experience and see just how wonderful it is to give, read this book. De Angeli does an exquisite job of capturing the ecstatic happiness and overflowing gratefulness of those who receive. It makes you want to think of someone you could do a similar deed for. Putting an enormous smile on someone's face is truly a gift back.
There are illustrations too!
Ages: 5 - 12
Cleanliness: A picture of cupid - naked. References Santa Claus.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
A poor family receives an enormous box at Christmas. Is there a lion inside, as the delivery man suggests, or something else?
This is one of the best tales I've read about giving! If you want your children to experience and see just how wonderful it is to give, read this book. De Angeli does an exquisite job of capturing the ecstatic happiness and overflowing gratefulness of those who receive. It makes you want to think of someone you could do a similar deed for. Putting an enormous smile on someone's face is truly a gift back.
There are illustrations too!
Ages: 5 - 12
Cleanliness: A picture of cupid - naked. References Santa Claus.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
March 6, 2017
Very sweet, and, one would think, a typical Christmas story. But it's mostly true, as an author's note attests. I liked learning little details like how to make the 3D paper stars, and about the Partners who helped this widow, and about the comic strip Foxy Grandpa.
December 16, 2023
Sweet children’s story with a true Christmas mirale. Really showcases the holiday spirit of giving and humble spirit of receiving. How special that it was a true story! I love Betty as she is so much like me & I admire people like Mrs. Stix who love and encourage in sweet, generous ways. I recommend reading with a carol playing and a warm glass of tea. Truly a heart-touching Christmas story.
Thank you, Chautona, for gifting me with a special book!
Thank you, Chautona, for gifting me with a special book!
March 2, 2015
Heartwarming, cozy little story of a poor widow and her five children being blessed with a large box of Christmas gifts- practical AND fun, plus some tasty food! A semi-biographical tale.
December 27, 2019
This is a book I’ve been wanting to read since first hearing about it from @orangemarmaladebooks two years ago. It’s out of print, my library doesn’t have it, and it can be really hard to find in good condition at a reasonable price, but I finally did this year! So I knew it had to move to the top of my holiday TBR list.
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I really enjoyed it and it’s only reinforced my desire to read lots more of her books. Luckily they are not ALL out of print!🎄📚🎄
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I really enjoyed it and it’s only reinforced my desire to read lots more of her books. Luckily they are not ALL out of print!🎄📚🎄
December 18, 2020
A young widow and her five children celebrate an unforgettable Christmas when a huge box is delivered to their small flat. Schmaltzy and sentimental, and I loved every word of it.
July 7, 2020
This story is such a delight to read! I love each of the children who work so hard to help their mother who has to go out at night to clean, and who take care of one another. I enjoyed the stories they tell each other as they work together creating decorations for their Christmas tree. Each child is different. Their neighbors are special too.
The setting of a New York flat in 1901 is different and adds a unique flavor for the story.
In the back of the book the author gives a little background about the story which is based on real events.
The setting of a New York flat in 1901 is different and adds a unique flavor for the story.
In the back of the book the author gives a little background about the story which is based on real events.
January 4, 2024
*This* was the delightful Christmas story I was searching for, and I’d forgotten I had it on my own shelf.
In it, a widowed mother of five in New York receives an unusual delivery late Christmas Eve.
I love this book. ♥️
In it, a widowed mother of five in New York receives an unusual delivery late Christmas Eve.
I love this book. ♥️
October 13, 2017
A delightful true tale of a hardworking Momma with five kind children. This is another book that made us want to be better people, do hard things, and love others.
Elijah read it first and insisted it be our next read-aloud. It was an excellent recommendation, which I happily pass on to you.
Elijah read it first and insisted it be our next read-aloud. It was an excellent recommendation, which I happily pass on to you.
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December 20, 2023A sweet Christmas story that gave me cozy first chapter of Little Women vibes.
December 23, 2023
A heartwarming story of how one woman's kindness to a stranger makes a special Christmas for a needy family.
December 22, 2013
Marguerite de Angeli relates the memories her friend, Lili, has of one special Christmas when she was a little girl. Set in the early 1900's in a New York City, it's the story of a widowed mother and her five children. The mother is originally from Austria and shares many stories of her life there with her children. They are a poor but happy family. It reminds me a bit of Margaret Sidney's Five Little Pepper stories.
March 11, 2013
This is such a sweet children's book! I found a copy at Goodwill and I got it and I was pleasantly surprised with this story. It made me think of the things that I've been given and have been blessed with and the people who are not as fortunate and how I shouldn't be complaining about the little things that bother me.
December 5, 2014
this is a really good book. about a brave mother who was poor with five children and still made the best out of Christmas. i love how she had such good coroage and how she new she could save up a nofe money to celebrate christmas.
April 11, 2016
This was one of my favorite Christmas books as a child and having just reread it, I can see why. My grandmother gave me this book when I was seven or eight and I was entranced by the family's story. A beautiful Christmas tale to share with the children in your life.
December 12, 2015
This was a darling children's 'chapter' book that is part of my sister's collection, that is now very hard to find. It was a delightful & simple 'true' story for Christmas. A great reminder of the power of love & kindness.
December 26, 2019
One of my favorite Christmas books from my childhood. 💗
December 26, 2016
Much simpler than the other books by the author but still sweet! 'Tis a short story based off of the author's friend's childhood.
December 6, 2022
2022 reread: still enjoyable family read aloud.
First read:
Sweet read. The kids all loved it.
First read:
Sweet read. The kids all loved it.
February 4, 2020
What a sweet, cozy story! Friendship, gratitude, love, and generosity create a memorable Christmas for five young children. The mother is a person to emulate. "It's your inside weather that counts," she taught her children. As a widow who had to leave her very young children to work nights, she easily could have given in to self-pity. Instead she taught them to be thankful, that "things had to be done whether you liked them or not," but "sometimes, the nicest things happened!" And the nicest things do happen in this essentially true story.
December 5, 2020
A delightful little Christmas book. It's been recommended to me so many times (but always without any kind of plot summary or accompanying details) so I was eagerly looking forward to it, but not sure what to expect.
It likely won't please those whose literary palates are trained to love action and explosions and BIG FLASHY DRAMA, but for those who can enjoy the sweet and the slow, this is certainly one to add to the Christmas rotation.
It likely won't please those whose literary palates are trained to love action and explosions and BIG FLASHY DRAMA, but for those who can enjoy the sweet and the slow, this is certainly one to add to the Christmas rotation.
December 31, 2023
I loved this gentle story of a widowed mother and her five children who find joy and happiness as Christmas approaches. They are blessed with a great family love for each other, with responsibilities and chores that help mother keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. They are also blessed with kind neighbors and an unexpected benefactor. Based on a true story, this is a lovely book.
December 11, 2019
This is such a beautiful Christmas story. It is very reminiscent of The Little House on the Prairie books, but set in bustling New York with the family of five little children and a Christmas surprise! I’ll be re-reading this aloud to my kids for Christmas.
December 22, 2022
I love this charming and sweet Christmas story. A hardworking mother and her five children prepare for Christmas in their small apartment in NYC. The time period is the turn of the century.
Simple celebration, kindness and goodness permeate this story.
Simple celebration, kindness and goodness permeate this story.
January 31, 2023
I got this book when I was little and after coming across another copy decided to give this story a reread. I did not know that this sweet story was nonfiction. Still get excited about opening the lion in the box.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews