Christmas in the Country by Cynthia Rylant has cover art that made me pick it up. Diane Goode's illustrations are crisp, bright, and full of movement. They add zest to a story that's quite plain. The girl in this story lives with her grandparents in simple conditions in the country. She has three canine companions and gazes out at pastures that have horses. She has a traditional Christmas routine. Every year "Santa gave me just what I wanted: a new doll. And he always gave me something else I hadn't asked for and which was a surprise." It's a book for adult readers seeking nostalgia. It reminds me of another of Cynthia Rylant's books: In November, a nostalgic story of Thanksgiving.
I'd like to know why this girl lives with her grandparents.
