Best Christmas Books: The Story of Holly and Ivy

I keep meaning to get to that favorite Christmas books post, but can't seem to.  So finally I had the brilliant idea to post on just one book at a time.  Less overwhelming.

Our favorite book for the past few years has been The Story of Holly and Ivy, written by Rumer Godden and illustrated by  Barbara Cooney.  It is a sweet, sweet story of family and longing and wishes fulfilled.  It is not written from a Christian perspective, at least not explicitly, but if you read this and don't see God's hand, you are trying to avoid seeing it.

Eleanor and I love this book and always read it together. James used to like it too, but he is too much of a young man now to read a book about a girl and her doll.   But sometimes I will still catch him listening in...

Barbara Cooney is one of my favorite illustrators; her picture books are ones we never give away.  I don't know that we've read other books by Rumer Godden.    I should look for some!

I could not get a better picture up than this tacky-looking ad.  Yes, if you click this link and buy the book I think I get a nickel or something.  Where ever you acquire it, this is a book every family should have.

How can this be?

Sandy at Pencil on Paper posted a list of titles in her Christmas book basket.  It made me think of our Christmas books, which are not out of storage yet, but will be this weekend.  I decided to look for my previous post(s) about our Christmas books, and couldn't find one.  I can hardly believe I have never done a Christmas book post! 

So I have to get through the church Christmas party on Saturday, and the food prep for same tomorrow, and then I'll bring out the books. Till then you can read about Sandy's books, and tell me about your favorites!