It is Christmas Eve and, for the toys in Mr Blossom's shop, it is their last chance to be sold. Holly, a small doll dressed especially for Christmas, wishes hard for her own special child. But the day ends and Holly is left in the window. On Christmas morning a little lost orphan girl finds herself outside the toyshop. Ivy has never had a doll to love, but when she sees Holly, she knows at once that this doll is meant specially for her. But Ivy has no money, and the shop is closed . . . The Story of Holly and Ivy is a Christmas classic by Rumer Godden, beautifully illustrated by Christian Birmingham.

THE GIFT OF FAMILY The flames of memory always seem to glow a little brighter during the holidays. Perhaps that’s why this time of year is so difficult for airline heiress Ivy Macintosh, as she faces thoughts of yet another festive season alone. Since the plane crash that claimed the lives of her husband and two children eight years ago, she’s been submerged in grief. When eleven-year-old Holly Greenwood knocks on her door, lost and frightened after a forbidden visit to her singing teacher, Ivy’s self-imposed exile is shattered. Holly has an extraordinary voice, and wants nothing more than to perform in an upcoming Christmas musical. Holly’s father, Daniel, doesn’t allow music in their home, refusing to give a good reason why. Yet Ivy is drawn to the warmth she senses beneath his gruff exterior. As Christmas nears, their shared concern for Holly begins to draw Ivy back into the world again . . . and toward a family who may need her just as much as she needs them . . . “Bestselling Michaels’ bittersweet Christmas story offers the promise of a better tomorrow.” —Booklist “The storyline is an emotional rollercoaster, so keep a tissue box nearby . . . A great read.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

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Elizabeth is enchanted by the beautiful fairy doll that sits at the top of the Christmas tree wearing a sparkly beaded dress and delicate silver shoes. Little Elizabeth could never be so perfect - she is always getting into trouble. Then Great-Grandma gives Fairy Doll to Elizabeth - and suddenly everything starts going right instead of wrong. Could Fairy Doll be magical? First published in 1956, The Fairy Doll is a Christmas story to treasure from classic writer Rumer Godden, beautifully illustrated throughout by Gary Blythe.

This unforgettable tale, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Barbara Cooney, has become a seasonal classic-a touching and joyful story about courage and the power of family.

One day Amy and her family moved a long, long way away to the other side of the world. Louis stopped building towers, digging holes and staring at clouds. He no longer called to anyone across the yard, the room or the fence. Amy and Louis live next door to each other, and their lives are closely intertwined. Theirs is a life rich in imagination - they see dragons in the clouds and make castles out of cardboard. But when Amy's family move to another country, the children are separated and the colour drains out of their lives - until Louis discovers how to rebuild their special bond. This is a loving, moving, goose-bumping tale of deep friendship. The spare, evocative text - enhanced by illustrations of rare sensitivity and insight - strike directly at the heart.

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