134. Ivy Lost and Found

Ivy Lost and Found (Book Buddies #1) Cynthia Lord. Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. 2021. [September] 80 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Ivy's first memory was the birthday party. There was music and bright balloons. A girl's face lit up with joy.

Premise/plot: Ivy's owner is all grown up and a librarian (named Anne.) Ivy has spent many, many, many lonely years (well, it felt like forever) packed away and forgotten. Now that she's been rediscovered, she's joining other toys (dolls, stuffed animals) at the local library. Ivy finds herself one of "book buddies" that can be checked out for two weeks at a time. But she is NEW to this and a bit hesitant. Does she want to be checked out? Is being played with again worth the risks of the unknown dangers?

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. I did. It was a tiny bit sad--that she spent years forgotten and packed away--but this time makes up such a small part of actual text. And the story is just wonderful! I really enjoyed getting to know Ivy and some of the other toys. And we do spend time with the family (the young children) that checks her out of the library. Ivy *is* needed in this home. And it's good to be needed again.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers