Ivy Takes Care

“Animal-loving youngsters who dream of becoming vets will be in heaven here.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Brokenhearted after her best friend leaves for the summer, Ivy rallies and finds herself something new and exciting to do: she hires herself out to look after people’s farm animals and pets while they’re away. But she must also tend to her own private hurts and hopes, and manage the hapless tagalong Billy Joe, who has a knack for trouble like nobody else. Celebrated writer Rosemary Wells delivers a compassionately observed novel set in mid-century Nevada about a heroine with an exceptional gift, a heart of gold, and a budding dream for her future.

“Animal lovers will feast on the details Wells (Following Grandfather) includes and envy Ivy's opportunities to lavish her care on dogs, horses, and even a new litter of fox kits; all will be quickly won over by her good nature, determination, confidence and loyalty. --Publishers Weekly This will be popular with animal lovers, especially those who enjoyed Jessie Haas' Beware the Mare series. --Booklist Ivy is...immensely likable and will inspire children who are interested in veterinary care...Give this one to animal lovers. --School Library Journal Wells' narrative voice is as thoughtful and dependable as Ivy herself, and she capably evokes the historical and geographical settings, giving just enough detail to make the surroundings intriguing without distracting readers from the main threads of Ivy's story. Animal-loving youngsters who dream of becoming vets will be in heaven here, and girls with their own friendship troubles may also relate to Ivy's difficulties with Annie. --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books The moving story, told from a third-person limited perspective, brings the characters to life for young readers. --The Horn Book In this warm-hearted novel, Wells offers a sympathetic but realistic portrait of human nature and a convincing message about the value of compassion and a job well-done. --BookPage Wells' fine sense of plot and characterization make this tale of Ivy's summer and the people and animals she works with a sheer delight. --Yellow Brick Road”

Animal lovers will feast on the details Wells (Following Grandfather) includes and envy Ivy’s opportunities to lavish her care on dogs, horses, and even a new litter of fox kits; all will be quickly won over by her good nature, determination, confidence and loyalty.
—Publishers Weekly

This will be popular with animal lovers, especially those who enjoyed Jessie Haas’ Beware the Mare series.
—Booklist

Ivy is...immensely likable and will inspire children who are interested in veterinary care...Give this one to animal lovers.
—School Library Journal

Wells’ narrative voice is as thoughtful and dependable as Ivy herself, and she capably evokes the historical and geographical settings, giving just enough detail to make the surroundings intriguing without distracting readers from the main threads of Ivy’s story. Animal-loving youngsters who dream of becoming vets will be in heaven here, and girls with their own friendship troubles may also relate to Ivy’s difficulties with Annie.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The moving story, told from a third-person limited perspective, brings the characters to life for young readers.
—The Horn Book

In this warm-hearted novel, Wells offers a sympathetic but realistic portrait of human nature and a convincing message about the value of compassion and a job well-done.
—BookPage

Wells' fine sense of plot and characterization make this tale of Ivy's summer and the people and animals she works with a sheer delight.
—Yellow Brick Road

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