There were homemade valentines and Easter eggs, Fourth of July picnics and family birthdays. Thanksgiving brought visits from relatives--so many, the children had to sleep in the barn! And finally, there was Christmas, the best of all "times to keep," with handmade presents, an Advent calendar, and a "beautiful tree in a shine of candles."

Month by month, Tasha Tudor's delicate illustrations bring to life the holidays of an earlier time. A warm-hearted celebration of family and tradition, this treasury of "times to keep" will be cherished and enjoyed all year long.

This book was published 1996 by Simon & Schuster .

Winner of two Caldecott Honors, Tasha Tudor has written and/or illustrated nearly 100 books, including most recently Clement Moore's THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. She lives in Brattleboro, VT.