IVY LOVES TO GIVE
by Freya Blackwood & illustrated by Freya Blackwood
Ivy is a particularly generous toddler who is learning where things belong. Colorful and appealing watercolor-and-pencil illustrations on uncluttered creamy backgrounds show Ivy bestowing gifts on the family pets, with sweetly comical effect. Can a snail wear Daddy’s shoe? Do chickens like tea? Will Grandma’s glasses fit on a dog? Young children will delight in the gentle, clear humor here as they point out Ivy’s well-intentioned mistakes and spot the objects’ proper owners searching for their lost items. Ivy’s gifts can be just perfect, and youngsters will be gratified to see that Dad is eventually presented with his shoe, Grandma her glasses and Mom her tea. Though Ivy likes to keep things sometimes, whoever shares with her—in this case her big sister—gets the best gift of all: a hug. Right on target for young children, this offering seamlessly captures the world of a toddler and presents a nice blend of humor and warmth along with an affectionate acceptance of the learning process and a most satisfying finale. (Picture book. 2-5)