- story of a young orphan girl who wishes to have both a doll & a grandmother
- seamlessly switches scenes between multiple characters, giving the book much depth
- gorgeous illustrations you can almost feel
- convo points: lying (with no consequence), true satisfaction*
- language: x3 daft (a husband name-calling his wife), x1 blooming, x1 danged
Type: long picture book
Ages: 6-10
Author: Rumer Godden
Illustrator: Barbara Cooney Porter (of the 1985 version)
*Because this is a secular book, its message is that Ivy no longer feels empty inside after having her wishes come to pass. However, you might care to discuss what truly fulfills us–the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins. “What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!”
We read this in one sitting the first time, but it might take a couple sessions for some of the more wiggly children. 🙂 It was pretty long!
Overall a charming book that exudes many Christmasy feelings.