The Thirteen Days of Christmas

A timely republication of a Christmas story which Hughes' illustrations set in the early seventeenth century. Since their mother died, Annaple has frustrated her younger siblings with her over-zealous housekeeping, and terrible cooking.

Determined to further her sweetheart’s wooing, they encourage him to be romantic and inventive with his Christmas gift for her, which results in the invention of a well-known Christmas song.

Overton creates a delightful tale of a close-knit family, with whose relationships, scheming and frustrations readers can readily identify. Her text is filled with humour and historical detail, and presents an engaging view of life in a small town which becomes involved in an over-elaborate courtship.

Hughes’ illustrations, as ever, expand the text with accuracy and delicacy.