What Readers Are Saying
As an early childhood special educator for 22 years, I highly recommend this adorable and well written story. The author uses words to increase literacy skills by giving children the chance to expand their vocabulary, make predictions, notice details, communicate, and ask questions about what is happening in the book. It covers real life problems such as handling disappointment and other emotions that young children might face. The story teaches patience, hope, hard work, caring, giving back, gardening, and working together to reach a common goal. The illustrations are beautifully done, and the ending has a fabulous twist. As you read, have the children look for a hidden butterfly on each page to increase attention to detail, and to help them stay engaged. This is a fun and wonderful story for the classroom or to read at home snuggled up with your own children or grandchildren.
Lynn
Wendy Schicktanz has crafted a charming tale that sprouts with delight and blossoms with heart. While pumpkins take center stage, this book is a treat for all seasons, following Ivy Blue's journey from planting the first seeds in spring, through the summer's vibrant growth, to the bountiful harvest of fall. This is more than just a story, though. Young readers will be enchanted by the challenge of finding the 29 hidden butterflies fluttering throughout the pages – one in each illustration! This clever addition provides an extra layer of engagement perfect for keeping little hands and minds busy during car rides, waiting rooms, or any time a dose of quiet entertainment is needed. Beyond the captivating story and delightful illustrations, the book gently introduces important themes like environmentalism, the rewards of perseverance, and the value of friendship. Ivy Blue's journey to achieve her dream of a pumpkin playhouse takes an unexpected turn, reminding us that sometimes the best things in life come to us in surprising ways!
Ann
Ivy Blue is an adorable character that all children can relate to! As an elementary teacher, it is so refreshing to find a book that teaches, as well as entertains! As a grandmother, reading this book to my grandson was so much fun as he searched for the hidden butterfly on each page! The author, Wendy Schicktanz, has created a wonderful debut book. We are hoping this is just the first of many Ivy Blue books!
Paige
Such a wonderful story that helps children gain an understanding about flexibility, responsibility, cause and effect, open-mindedness, inclusion, the life cycle, loss, and more. Considering the digital age, now more than ever, we need more books out there that focus on children in nature, nurturing our earth, and giving back to replenish the earth just like Ivy Blue!
Raye
I didn't realize manifestation could be shown to such a young audience, but Wendy Schicktanz caught the lesson of never giving up and trusting good things you dream of will come to you. Nice job in spreading the message of hope and resiliency!
Tammy
The story is heart-warming and educational. It teaches about nature, life cycles, and emotions...dealing with disappointment...and in the end being greatly rewarded. The illustrations are wonderful, and searching for the butterflies throughout is an added fun bonus. More importantly was the reaction to the book from the special 4-year-old that we bought it for. The book was a Christmas gift for her, and she opened it shortly before bed. I read it to her, and she wanted to have it read again right before she went to sleep. Her mom texted me the next morning that she wanted to read it again as soon as she woke up!
Joni
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