City Dog, Country Frog

Ivy has been rereading old favorites since moving.  However, this week we were able to go to the library only to discover a new "friend"- City Dog, Country Frog. When City Dog goes to the country for the first time, he meets a new friend - Country Frog.  As the seasons pass, the two friends introduce each other to their favorite games - fetching, hopping, etc.  When City Dog visits the country in winter, he is not able to find his friend.  Will frog return in the spring?  This is a rather heartbreaking tale of friendship, loss, and the ultimate renewal of the spirit.  I was quite surprised to find Ivy fascinated by it.  She, in fact, keeps returning to the desolate winter pages when City Dog is mournfully waiting for his friend.  Although a bit depressing in nature, the beautiful water colors and uplifting ending make the story engaging.  I was surprised to find this book to be by the author Mo Williams.  He is known for his more lighthearted books such as his pigeon series. 

Small Pig

This seemingly simple story seems to be packed with meaning for Ivy.   She just loves small pig, a plucky little fellow who loves mud.  When the farmer's wife decides to clean everything including the pig pen, small pig sets off to find a new home with mud.  When he finally discovers "mud" in the city, it is not quite what it seems.  Read about small pig's adventures in Arnold Lobel's Small Pig.  

Purplicious

Earlier on the blog Ivy favorably reviewed Pinkalicious.  Lately Ivy has been wanting to hear Victoria and Elizabeth Kann's Purplicious.  Pinkalicious is being teased by all the kids at school.  Pink is passé - the new pink is black.  Pinkalicious stands by her color until all of her friends desert her.  Her loneliness causes her to reconsider her love of all things pink.  Will Pinkalicious abandon her pink principles and begin wearing black?  Find out in Purplicious!