Ivy

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 sick animals back to health. 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.