The Birds' Christmas Carol

Written by Kate Douglas Wiggin

Narrated by Geoffrey Giuliano and The Crush

Born on Christmas Day, little Carol Bird is a gentle soul who touches every life around her. Despite her physical illness, Carol is loved by everyone who knows her. This year, she is going to make Christmas extra special for her family and the little Ruggles children who live nearby.

Author Kate Douglas Wiggin was an American educator, author, and composer. She wrote children's stories, most notably the classic children's novel Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, and composed collections of children's songs. She started the first free kindergarten in San Francisco in 1878.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Icon Audio Arts
• Release date: Nov 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9798887675466

Kate Douglas Wiggin

Kate Douglas Wiggin (1856–1923) was an American educator, author, and advocate who is best known for writing Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. After graduating from kindergarten-teacher training in Santa Barbara, Wiggins moved to San Francisco, where she founded the first free kindergarten on Silver Street in 1878.

Reviews for The Birds' Christmas Carol

[tenlove · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the many books I read annually between Thanksgiving and Christmas. An excellent Christmas story from the author of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.

[rheasly · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A sweet tale about a sick girl, Carol, and her plans to host a decadent Christmas dinner for the poor children living next door. Kate Douglas Wiggin's story was published in 1886, and its themes of generosity and kindness are as important today as they ever were. A great story to read every year, starting from a young age. The language is charming, but old, so some help may be needed for independent reading, ages 8-10.

[lydiasbooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was inspired by a wish to visit some classics, particularly ones available as free ebooks. I loved this one. Sweet, pretty and apt. Despite the book being christian, I did not find it alienating. Highly descriptive whilst being lovely generally. I recommend this happily.

[dichosa_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wiggin is absolutely my favorite author, and this is truly one of the sweetest stories. It is a small book that reads quickly. Do yourself and your children a favor, and read this during the holiday season each and every year! A classic no doubt!

[merrymary_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A lovely vintage story of unselfishness and Christmas. A classic.

[mydomino1978 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My mother read this to me every year at Christmas for as long as I can remember, and my children insist I read it every year also. They have to take over at the parts where I cry. I am going to buy each of them a copy to read to their children someday.

[salsabrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sentimental yes, but not so mawkish even read during contemporary times. Mrs. Ruggles managing her lively brood's toilette and schooling them severely on their manners before they attend Carol's dinner party is the humorous highlight of the whole thing.

[auntieknickers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A bit of a tearjerker, but with humor as well, and a good Christmas message about caring for the poor.

[lycomayflower · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A short children's novel from the late 19th century, The Birds' Christmas Carol tells the story of Carol Bird, a girl born on Christmas Day who is uncommonly sweet and kind. She is also ill, and by the time she is ten, she has been bed-ridden for years. Most of the book tells of her plans to hold a Christmas dinner party for all the children (nine of them) of the poor family next door and then of the party itself. In the end, Carol dies happy and peacefully after the dinner party has concluded and while listening to the choir at the church next door. I have vague recollections of having read this as a kid (I have a vivid memory of the cover of the yellow Apple paperback edition) and listened to it now mostly because I couldn't for anything remember whether Carol survived or not. Listening to it now, two things struck me: 1) it's properly funny in parts (especially Mrs. Ruggles getting her children ready to attend the party at the "big house") and 2) Carol, despite being the red-hot center of a morality tale for children, is genuinely sweet and pleasant rather than sickly treacly and creepily "too good." While her goodness is not quite believable, neither is it off-putting. I enjoyed the audio presentation, though I think the narrator's performance increases the twee factor--which the text itself is not free from, but which it manages not to drown in either.

[rslynch_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My English teacher read a chapter or so from this book to us each day. Although it was so long ago, I still rememeber thinking how well-written and emotional the book was. The only problem was, I thought the story was about a family of birds! After all these years, I still think about the story often.

[raucousrain · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was a Christmas gift to from my adult son. My copy of the book was printed 1914 and there is the most wonderful scent and feel to the smooth old pages. I think it was well-loved before it came into my hands. It is a delightful story, at times sad yet always charming. One very small thing (which I absolutely love) is "Cary" is the name of Carol's pet canary. (Cary is not a featured character; I only remember the name because I thought it was so clever)