The story of Holly & Ivy - Rumer Godden

Ivy is an orphan who has always pretended that she has a grandmother. On Christmas Eve, Ivy is put on a train bound for a children's home where she is to spend Christmas day. But when the train stops in a town called Appleton, Ivy is sure that this is where her grandmother lives. She jumps off, determined to look for her. And she wishes, very hard, that her grandmother will give her the special Christmas doll she's always wanted.

Meanwhile, a beautiful little Christmas doll called Holly is waiting, arms outstretched, in the window of Mr Blossom's toy shop. She looks out at the shoppers wishing, very hard, that a special girl will come and buy her.

As night falls, Ivy has not found her grandmother, but she does come across the toy shop. She notices Holly straightaway, and knows that this is her doll. Holly sees Ivy's face pressed against the window and knows that this is her girl. But the shop is shut. And Ivy has no money anyway.

Could it be that if both Holly and Ivy wish hard enough, their dream to be together will come true?