Ivy

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From School Library Journal --------------------------- Gr 3–6—Ivy and Grandmother live in a not-so-tidy cottage on the edge of a very neat town. They are happily different from the townsfolk and nurse animals back to . But when the newly crowned queen announces a contest for best town, the citizens are convinced that they can't win if their town isn't perfect, and they want the animals to leave. Now Ivy, Grandmother, and their menagerie may be forced to change who they are or leave town. In this story full of sweet, likable characters, readers will find a timeless lesson about appreciating people for their kindness and values rather than for their outward appearances. A smattering of animals, both real and mythical, make for a nice bit of whimsy. However, the characters are fairly one-dimensional and as such are very predictable. The plot is simple and linear, with no surprises. The book is written in a similar way as old fables, and the moral lesson is well presented but not overbearing. VERDICT A fine supplemental purchase for large collections.—Elizabeth Speer, Weatherford College, TX Read more ( javascript:void(0) ) Review ------ Praise for Ivy: “Coville creats a cozy fairy-tale-like atmosphere in a story that celebrates nonfonformity and kindness." --Publishers Weekly "Ivy and her kind, thoughtful granny certainly deserve all the good that awaits them, and the fact that they change some hearts in the meantime is a bonus." --The Bulletin Read more ( javascript:void(0) ) About the Author ---------------- KATHERINE COVILLE is an artist, a sculptor, and a doll maker who specializes in highly detailed images of creatures never before seen in this world. She has illustrated several books written by her husband, Bruce Coville, including Goblins in the Castle, Aliens Ate My Homework, and the Space Brat series. Bruce and Katherine live in Syracuse, New York, with a varying assortment of pets and children. Read more ( javascript:void(0) )