Christmas Stories: The Story of Holly and Ivy

Being a book about a girl and a doll, this book, Holly & Ivy, had the distinct possibility of coming across as a "girl's" book.  But I have to let you  know that Sir O requested it for his bedtime story 3 night in a row.  It's a bit longish for a children's book, but not outside of children's book limits.  It is, perhaps, the most magical Christmas story ever.  And Santa doesn't even get a mention.  It's a story about the kind of hope and optimism that I would desperately want to cultivate in my kids.  Plus; the idea that wishing makes a difference?  I'm inclined to believe in it.