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Ivy Takes Care
In a heart- and humor-filled adventure by On the Blue Comet author Rosemary Wells, a girl spends a summer caring for animals in the mid-century Southwest.
Brokenhearted after her best friend leaves for the entire 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. So begins a summer of discovery and definition for tenderhearted but sensible Ivy, who must win over the stubborn pony Chestnut, take on the training of a puppy named Inca, and patiently court the trust of the magnificent but scarred racehorse, Andromeda. All this while tending to her own private hurts and hopes, and managing the hapless tagalong Billy Joe, who has a knack for trouble and accidents like nobody else. Celebrated writer Rosemary Wells delivers a compassionately observed and exquisitely distilled novel set in mid-century Nevada about a heroine with an exceptional gift, a heart of gold, and a budding dream for her future.
Brokenhearted after her best friend leaves for the entire 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. So begins a summer of discovery and definition for tenderhearted but sensible Ivy, who must win over the stubborn pony Chestnut, take on the training of a puppy named Inca, and patiently court the trust of the magnificent but scarred racehorse, Andromeda. All this while tending to her own private hurts and hopes, and managing the hapless tagalong Billy Joe, who has a knack for trouble and accidents like nobody else. Celebrated writer Rosemary Wells delivers a compassionately observed and exquisitely distilled novel set in mid-century Nevada about a heroine with an exceptional gift, a heart of gold, and a budding dream for her future.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Rosemary Wells
455 books381 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Rosemary Wells is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. She often uses animal characters to address real human issues. Some of her most well-known characters are Max & Ruby and Timothy from Timothy Goes To School (both were later adapted into Canadian-animated preschool television series, the former’s airing on Nickelodeon (part of the Nick Jr. block) and the latter’s as part of PBS Kids on PBS).
Rosemary Wells is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. She often uses animal characters to address real human issues. Some of her most well-known characters are Max & Ruby and Timothy from Timothy Goes To School (both were later adapted into Canadian-animated preschool television series, the former’s airing on Nickelodeon (part of the Nick Jr. block) and the latter’s as part of PBS Kids on PBS).
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February 12, 2014
Summer of 1949 doesn't start out in the best way for Ivy. Her closest friend, Annie, has been changing from the down-to-earth girl she used to be. Ivy has so much to keep herself grounded, it's unlikely she could ever be uprooted from the simple lifestyle she and her family leads, managing the Red Star Guest Ranch for out-of-towners brought to Nevada by the state's allowance for relatively easy divorces. Annie's family is a few tax brackets above Ivy's, able to comfortably enjoy most of the finer amenities wealth can provide, and her evolving circle of friends is beginning to reflect this. The girls Annie is going around with are more prim and reserved than Ivy's earthy lifestyle allows her to be on a regular basis, and Annie is showing signs of preferring these sorts of friendships. With an entire summer to be spent apart when Annie attends camp with many other girls who share this new attitude of upper-crust dignity, who knows if she will still be able to relate to Ivy at the start of the new school year?
Farm animals abound on Ivy's Red Star Ranch, so she's never had a shortage of creatures to share her time with and get to know, and there's even more time to spend with them now that she doesn't have her best friend around for the summer. In three story sections (labeled Chestnut, Inca and Andromeda) divided by the animal who features most prominently in that part of the narrative, we share Ivy's days with a family of wild foxes, a puppy named Inca and a horse called Andromeda. Animals so different from one another can be surprisingly similar in their level of dependence on humans like Ivy, and she has to carefully distinguish between the types of assistance that should be offered each animal. Foxes aren't like horses or puppies; their wildness must be respected and regarded warily, for an injured fox is a dangerous enemy if one infringes on its personal space. More dangerous still is a hurt fox with its kits, programmed by instinct to guard them at cost of her own life by tearing mercilessly with her knifelike teeth until the threat has abated. If one can get past the fox's innate distrust to administer healing to its wounds, there is also the danger to consider of teaching a wild creature to be friendly with humans, many of whom would slay a fox on sight for the bounty offered by the local game authority. Can Ivy tend to the fox's grievous hurts without risking herself or the animal's longterm well-being? A horse and a dog can be treated more casually than an injured fox, but domestic animals come with their own list of concerns, such as training them correctly to live in amicable relation with humans. With multiple fine-tuned skills sets needed to interact properly with the animals around her, how is Ivy to keep straight the demands on her time and talents?
Ivy doesn't think about someday becoming a veterinarian until Dr. Rinaldi asks for her assistance in reaching the fox mother with medical care before time runs out from the infection ravaging her injured body. Ivy steps in and helps where others couldn't or wouldn't, performing essential tasks most would be scared to try with a snarling fox close by in full-on defensive mode. Dr. Rinaldi recognizes the gentle touch Ivy has with the terrified wild animal, sees the care with which she handles a creature that can't recognize it is being given life-sustaining treatment, and speaks his opinion that Ivy could have a future in veterinary medicine. Ivy isn't content to thoughtlessly follow trails taken by others, choosing her way in life because that's what is there and it's easier than trying to figure out where she really fits. As Dr. Rinaldi tells her, "Most people are driven by what other people expect. You've got a purpose of your own." It's this purpose that won't let her act differently to impress Annie or her wealthy friends, or bow to the teasing of Billy Joe Butterworth, whose family lives and works on the Red Star Ranch the same as Ivy's. It's also this purpose that refuses to accept that any animal's life isn't worth saving, that a mother fox and its babies are less deserving of life because of their predatory tendencies. Veterinary medicine isn't a common career in 1949, and for a girl to become a doctor is even more rare, but Ivy is willing to challenge these norms someday if that's what it takes, if she decides caring for sick and wounded animals is what she is meant to do.
So Ivy starts a petsitting business and prints up flyers, first to earn enough money to buy a special token of friendship for Annie while she's away at camp to let her know Ivy is thinking of her, and then to raise funds for her own eventual college education in veterinary science. Ivy's flyers don't create an avalanche of enthusiastic responses, but there are a few townspeople who could use a girl like her to watch over their animals. One of these animals is Chestnut, a horse owned by Mr. and Mrs. Pratt on the far side of the mountain pass. The Pratts pay well and Ivy loves spending time with Chestnut; what job could be better for her? In the words of Mrs. Pratt when Ivy tells her she would happily watch Chestnut for free even if she weren't being paid, "That's the best kind of work, isn't it? The kind you'd do anyway, for nothing." Bearing responsibility for Chestnut doesn't have to be a lark for Ivy to enjoy the job; she loves her time with the horse even when it's hard work, when acting responsibly means turning down opportunities to have fun in the interest of following through with her commitments. That's how Ivy realizes for sure she is suited to a career taking care of animals, because she wants to do it even when more entertaining options arise.
"You do what you have to, even when it's the last thing you want to do", Dr. Rinaldi says to Ivy during a conversation about what it takes to be a veterinarian, and this surely embodies Ivy's own philosophy for watching over animals. When Ivy has to choose between a skiing excursion with Annie and her family in the soaring mountains of Colorado, or sticking to her agreement to watch a horse named Andromeda while its owner is away, Ivy knows she can't walk away from her responsibilities because a better offer came along. People are counting on her, and so is Andromeda. A simple life protecting animals few others would go to such lengths to serve isn't usually a glamorous one, but it's the life Ivy is leaning toward. Her time as best friends with Annie feels like it's coming to an end, and with it an important chapter in Ivy's life is also concluding, the ink used to write of their once-cherished relationship almost bone dry as the pen of fate etches a final few spidery paragraphs. There are different futures ahead for Ivy and Annie, neither one bad, but with little chance for mingling between two such diverse stations in society. Ivy's niche is in the rustic countryside with her beloved animals, and maybe it always will be. When you pine so strongly for the dog you're sure was meant to belong to you, as Ivy feels about little Inca the German Shepherd pup after helping for weeks to train him, or give your all to save the life of a horse in dire straits from an injury incurred through the fault of its willful, selfish owner, you have to know you were meant to share your life with animals. A life of true contentment is no fool's paradise, not when you've found happiness where few others would deign to look. The life Ivy plans for herself is a nice one, with an awful lot of happiness to offer, and she's ready to begin living it to the full. How many can say they are so blessed to be doing what they love?
The foundational idea of Ivy Takes Care is that the expectations of outsiders is not an absolute blueprint for life that must be followed. If you feel different from your peers, then your goals and ultimate scenario for living in happiness will probably not be the same as theirs, so choosing to branch off from the main stream is by no means an indulgent whim. That may be the only logical decision to make if you're to find happiness, living to serve others effectively because humans are happiest when their abilities go to helping other living beings. There is sadness in Ivy Takes Care, sadness at the unexpected changes wrought in a life of continual unpredictability, when friendships meant to last forever die a quick, painful death, or suffer quietly for a long while before disappearing, as if they never existed. There is no satisfactory solution when best friends come to the point where what they want is no longer congruent, and they don't have the time or desire to tarry any longer in each other's idea of a rewarding life. But there is always another tomorrow, and the promise that it will dawn no less brightly for even the saddest events imaginable of the prior day, and that is the hope we are left with at the end of this book. Will Ivy fulfill her ambition of becoming a veterinarian when she's older? We can't know for sure, but she's content today to be working toward that future in every little way she can, and for now, that's enough. One can never do more than live each day that much closer to where one wants to be, and that's what Ivy is doing, no matter how the future develops. I hope we all have the patience and sincerity of purpose to do the same. I would probably give two and a half stars to Ivy Takes Care, and I see it being a memorable story for readers of either gender for as long as it continues finding its way into young hands.
Farm animals abound on Ivy's Red Star Ranch, so she's never had a shortage of creatures to share her time with and get to know, and there's even more time to spend with them now that she doesn't have her best friend around for the summer. In three story sections (labeled Chestnut, Inca and Andromeda) divided by the animal who features most prominently in that part of the narrative, we share Ivy's days with a family of wild foxes, a puppy named Inca and a horse called Andromeda. Animals so different from one another can be surprisingly similar in their level of dependence on humans like Ivy, and she has to carefully distinguish between the types of assistance that should be offered each animal. Foxes aren't like horses or puppies; their wildness must be respected and regarded warily, for an injured fox is a dangerous enemy if one infringes on its personal space. More dangerous still is a hurt fox with its kits, programmed by instinct to guard them at cost of her own life by tearing mercilessly with her knifelike teeth until the threat has abated. If one can get past the fox's innate distrust to administer healing to its wounds, there is also the danger to consider of teaching a wild creature to be friendly with humans, many of whom would slay a fox on sight for the bounty offered by the local game authority. Can Ivy tend to the fox's grievous hurts without risking herself or the animal's longterm well-being? A horse and a dog can be treated more casually than an injured fox, but domestic animals come with their own list of concerns, such as training them correctly to live in amicable relation with humans. With multiple fine-tuned skills sets needed to interact properly with the animals around her, how is Ivy to keep straight the demands on her time and talents?
Ivy doesn't think about someday becoming a veterinarian until Dr. Rinaldi asks for her assistance in reaching the fox mother with medical care before time runs out from the infection ravaging her injured body. Ivy steps in and helps where others couldn't or wouldn't, performing essential tasks most would be scared to try with a snarling fox close by in full-on defensive mode. Dr. Rinaldi recognizes the gentle touch Ivy has with the terrified wild animal, sees the care with which she handles a creature that can't recognize it is being given life-sustaining treatment, and speaks his opinion that Ivy could have a future in veterinary medicine. Ivy isn't content to thoughtlessly follow trails taken by others, choosing her way in life because that's what is there and it's easier than trying to figure out where she really fits. As Dr. Rinaldi tells her, "Most people are driven by what other people expect. You've got a purpose of your own." It's this purpose that won't let her act differently to impress Annie or her wealthy friends, or bow to the teasing of Billy Joe Butterworth, whose family lives and works on the Red Star Ranch the same as Ivy's. It's also this purpose that refuses to accept that any animal's life isn't worth saving, that a mother fox and its babies are less deserving of life because of their predatory tendencies. Veterinary medicine isn't a common career in 1949, and for a girl to become a doctor is even more rare, but Ivy is willing to challenge these norms someday if that's what it takes, if she decides caring for sick and wounded animals is what she is meant to do.
So Ivy starts a petsitting business and prints up flyers, first to earn enough money to buy a special token of friendship for Annie while she's away at camp to let her know Ivy is thinking of her, and then to raise funds for her own eventual college education in veterinary science. Ivy's flyers don't create an avalanche of enthusiastic responses, but there are a few townspeople who could use a girl like her to watch over their animals. One of these animals is Chestnut, a horse owned by Mr. and Mrs. Pratt on the far side of the mountain pass. The Pratts pay well and Ivy loves spending time with Chestnut; what job could be better for her? In the words of Mrs. Pratt when Ivy tells her she would happily watch Chestnut for free even if she weren't being paid, "That's the best kind of work, isn't it? The kind you'd do anyway, for nothing." Bearing responsibility for Chestnut doesn't have to be a lark for Ivy to enjoy the job; she loves her time with the horse even when it's hard work, when acting responsibly means turning down opportunities to have fun in the interest of following through with her commitments. That's how Ivy realizes for sure she is suited to a career taking care of animals, because she wants to do it even when more entertaining options arise.
"You do what you have to, even when it's the last thing you want to do", Dr. Rinaldi says to Ivy during a conversation about what it takes to be a veterinarian, and this surely embodies Ivy's own philosophy for watching over animals. When Ivy has to choose between a skiing excursion with Annie and her family in the soaring mountains of Colorado, or sticking to her agreement to watch a horse named Andromeda while its owner is away, Ivy knows she can't walk away from her responsibilities because a better offer came along. People are counting on her, and so is Andromeda. A simple life protecting animals few others would go to such lengths to serve isn't usually a glamorous one, but it's the life Ivy is leaning toward. Her time as best friends with Annie feels like it's coming to an end, and with it an important chapter in Ivy's life is also concluding, the ink used to write of their once-cherished relationship almost bone dry as the pen of fate etches a final few spidery paragraphs. There are different futures ahead for Ivy and Annie, neither one bad, but with little chance for mingling between two such diverse stations in society. Ivy's niche is in the rustic countryside with her beloved animals, and maybe it always will be. When you pine so strongly for the dog you're sure was meant to belong to you, as Ivy feels about little Inca the German Shepherd pup after helping for weeks to train him, or give your all to save the life of a horse in dire straits from an injury incurred through the fault of its willful, selfish owner, you have to know you were meant to share your life with animals. A life of true contentment is no fool's paradise, not when you've found happiness where few others would deign to look. The life Ivy plans for herself is a nice one, with an awful lot of happiness to offer, and she's ready to begin living it to the full. How many can say they are so blessed to be doing what they love?
The foundational idea of Ivy Takes Care is that the expectations of outsiders is not an absolute blueprint for life that must be followed. If you feel different from your peers, then your goals and ultimate scenario for living in happiness will probably not be the same as theirs, so choosing to branch off from the main stream is by no means an indulgent whim. That may be the only logical decision to make if you're to find happiness, living to serve others effectively because humans are happiest when their abilities go to helping other living beings. There is sadness in Ivy Takes Care, sadness at the unexpected changes wrought in a life of continual unpredictability, when friendships meant to last forever die a quick, painful death, or suffer quietly for a long while before disappearing, as if they never existed. There is no satisfactory solution when best friends come to the point where what they want is no longer congruent, and they don't have the time or desire to tarry any longer in each other's idea of a rewarding life. But there is always another tomorrow, and the promise that it will dawn no less brightly for even the saddest events imaginable of the prior day, and that is the hope we are left with at the end of this book. Will Ivy fulfill her ambition of becoming a veterinarian when she's older? We can't know for sure, but she's content today to be working toward that future in every little way she can, and for now, that's enough. One can never do more than live each day that much closer to where one wants to be, and that's what Ivy is doing, no matter how the future develops. I hope we all have the patience and sincerity of purpose to do the same. I would probably give two and a half stars to Ivy Takes Care, and I see it being a memorable story for readers of either gender for as long as it continues finding its way into young hands.
June 13, 2013
This is such a sweet, old fashioned story! I really enjoyed it. Ivy's family doesn't have a lot of money, but she still dreams of going to college one day. In 1950's Nevada she lives on a guest ranch with her parents. Nevada is one of the few places that people can get a divorce, so many of the guests stay for the required six week period that they must live apart from their spouse before a divorce will be granted. Ivy's dad is the ranch hand and her mom is the cook. Ivy loves animals, and dreams of becoming a vet someday. To help save for college, she hires herself out as a pet sitter to the local ranchers. The town vet also takes Ivy under his wing, and lets her assist him with various procedures. Ivy's various jobs, and her dealings with the troublemaking Billy Joe (whose parents own the ranch) are fascinating and entertaining. This would be a great recommendation for kids who like animals, or those with conservative parents who want them to read "good" books.
December 10, 2017
This was a wonderful children's story. It's a book I probably would have picked up and thoroughly enjoyed when I was young, and I thoroughly enjoyed it now. Loved the characters, loved the animals, and I loved that it's one of those books you learn something from, even as an adult. I didn't know about Nevada being "The Divorce State" at one time and all the info given about ranches, dog training, horses, rattlesnakes, etc. Lots of good information showing this book was very well-researched or the author has a lot of experience with these things. Definitely would recommend!
April 22, 2013
It is summer 1949 and Ivy's best friend Annie is leaving Nevada for her fancy camp in New Hampshire. On her way to say goodbye, Ivy finds an injured turtle, which she put in her bike basket and takes to Annie's house. But when she arrives, a snooty camp friend is also there and it is clear she does not think Ivy is good enough for her and Annie.
Afraid their friendship is over, Ivy decides to buy a $5.00 friendship ring to send to Annie in the hope that it can be saved. But how to get that much money? In Ivy's house, every penny is apportioned into envelopes to pay bills, and there is never any left over. Her dad is a hired hand on a small dude ranch that caters to people getting quick divorces in Reno. But Ivy know how to take care of all kinds of animals and puts up advertisements offering her services to care for animals while their owners are on vacation.
It takes a while, but finally Ivy gets a call - could she take care of a horse named Chestnut? And the owner gives her half her pay in advance - $5.00, just enough to buy that friendship ring and send it to Annie.
One day while caring for Chestnut, Ivy finds an injured mother fox with her four kits in the next stall. Most farmers and ranchers hated foxes, but Ivy tries to care for it from a distance, giving the fox a baby aspirin in some food everyday, but to no avail. When the vet, Dr. Rinaldi, stops by to check on Chestnut, he helps Ivy with the fox as well. Noticing how well she works with animals, Dr. Rinaldi suggests she think about becoming a veterinarian. And so a new envelope is made at home to save for college in the future.
More jobs come Ivy's way, including caring for and training a beautiful German Shepard pup named Inca, bought by a man who was divorcing his wife because she didn't like his other dogs. Ivy falls in love with Inca and misses him terribly when dog and owner leave Nevada, thinking she will never see him again.
Around Christmas, Ivy is offered another job, but it is far from home and night comes early in winter. The son of the dude ranch owner must accompany her on a ranch horse. But when the horse is bitten on the nose by a rattlesnake far from town, will Ivy be able to help it?
And for that matter, is Ivy's friendship with Annie finally be over when Annie goes to private school? And why are Ivy and her dad driving to the airport when no one is expected at the dude ranch? There are lots of surprises in store for Ivy.
Ivy Takes Care is a very sweet coming of age story. It reminded me so much of the kinds of novels I loved when I was around 10 years old and I don't think kids taste in fiction has changed that much since then. And it is sure to please young animal lovers, especially since none of the animals in the story die, and the injuries are not too graphically detailed. The rift in Ivy's friendship with Annie is, in reality, not uncommon for girls at this age as their interests begins to go in different directions.
There are lots of Jim LaMarche's black and white illustrations throughout the story, which he did with acrylic washes and pencil that provide their own sense of the time period.
Ivy Takes Care is another fine book by Rosemary Wells, an author who consistently really knows how to please her readers.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was provided by the publisher.
This review was originally posted on Randomly Reading
Afraid their friendship is over, Ivy decides to buy a $5.00 friendship ring to send to Annie in the hope that it can be saved. But how to get that much money? In Ivy's house, every penny is apportioned into envelopes to pay bills, and there is never any left over. Her dad is a hired hand on a small dude ranch that caters to people getting quick divorces in Reno. But Ivy know how to take care of all kinds of animals and puts up advertisements offering her services to care for animals while their owners are on vacation.
It takes a while, but finally Ivy gets a call - could she take care of a horse named Chestnut? And the owner gives her half her pay in advance - $5.00, just enough to buy that friendship ring and send it to Annie.
One day while caring for Chestnut, Ivy finds an injured mother fox with her four kits in the next stall. Most farmers and ranchers hated foxes, but Ivy tries to care for it from a distance, giving the fox a baby aspirin in some food everyday, but to no avail. When the vet, Dr. Rinaldi, stops by to check on Chestnut, he helps Ivy with the fox as well. Noticing how well she works with animals, Dr. Rinaldi suggests she think about becoming a veterinarian. And so a new envelope is made at home to save for college in the future.
More jobs come Ivy's way, including caring for and training a beautiful German Shepard pup named Inca, bought by a man who was divorcing his wife because she didn't like his other dogs. Ivy falls in love with Inca and misses him terribly when dog and owner leave Nevada, thinking she will never see him again.
Around Christmas, Ivy is offered another job, but it is far from home and night comes early in winter. The son of the dude ranch owner must accompany her on a ranch horse. But when the horse is bitten on the nose by a rattlesnake far from town, will Ivy be able to help it?
And for that matter, is Ivy's friendship with Annie finally be over when Annie goes to private school? And why are Ivy and her dad driving to the airport when no one is expected at the dude ranch? There are lots of surprises in store for Ivy.
Ivy Takes Care is a very sweet coming of age story. It reminded me so much of the kinds of novels I loved when I was around 10 years old and I don't think kids taste in fiction has changed that much since then. And it is sure to please young animal lovers, especially since none of the animals in the story die, and the injuries are not too graphically detailed. The rift in Ivy's friendship with Annie is, in reality, not uncommon for girls at this age as their interests begins to go in different directions.
There are lots of Jim LaMarche's black and white illustrations throughout the story, which he did with acrylic washes and pencil that provide their own sense of the time period.
Ivy Takes Care is another fine book by Rosemary Wells, an author who consistently really knows how to please her readers.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was provided by the publisher.
This review was originally posted on Randomly Reading
December 19, 2016
It is summer 1949, and Ivy’s best friend Annie has left for summer camp. Since the girls said goodbye on somewhat rocky terms, Ivy decides that she wants to buy Annie one of the birthstone rings girls in their class at school like to buy for each other as symbols of friendship. Since the rings cost five dollars, and Ivy’s parents don’t have much money to spare, she decides to start her own business caring for animals. Though Ivy makes the money for the ring on her first job looking after a horse, the satisfaction she feels at earning her own money - and some encouragement from the local vet - inspires her to keep working toward a much larger life goal.
Though some of Rosemary Wells’s more recent picture books have not impressed me that much, I truly have nothing but compliments for her beginning chapter books. Following Grandfather (2012) was a poignant tale about family ties, love, and loss, and this book is another effortless, beautiful story about friendship, animals, and growing up. Many adults can recount an event or time period in their lives when they discovered their life’s passion, but this book illustrates that realization from the point of view a child. I can’t think of another chapter book that approaches the popular desire to be a veterinarian in quite this way.
The language in this book is simple, yet artistic, with each word chosen with care to convey the right mood or sentiment. Because the main events of the book mostly involve animals, parts of the story are very quiet and thoughtful, but there is also plenty of action, especially when Ivy’s next-door neighbor Billy Joe Butterworth is involved. Though there are always adults on hand to protect the kids from real danger, it is Ivy herself who becomes a hero, using her natural skills with animals and her quick thinking.
Ivy Takes Care is similar in tone and substance to the American Girl books, and just slightly easier to read. Animal lovers who have enjoyed some of Patricia MacLachlan’s newer chapter books (like White Fur Flying and The Truth of Me) will find this book just as pleasing. It will also appeal to parents who seek books with strong moral fiber and high literary merit. This is a book highly deserving of praise, and I hope Wells continues producing more books like it for beginning chapter book readers.
Though some of Rosemary Wells’s more recent picture books have not impressed me that much, I truly have nothing but compliments for her beginning chapter books. Following Grandfather (2012) was a poignant tale about family ties, love, and loss, and this book is another effortless, beautiful story about friendship, animals, and growing up. Many adults can recount an event or time period in their lives when they discovered their life’s passion, but this book illustrates that realization from the point of view a child. I can’t think of another chapter book that approaches the popular desire to be a veterinarian in quite this way.
The language in this book is simple, yet artistic, with each word chosen with care to convey the right mood or sentiment. Because the main events of the book mostly involve animals, parts of the story are very quiet and thoughtful, but there is also plenty of action, especially when Ivy’s next-door neighbor Billy Joe Butterworth is involved. Though there are always adults on hand to protect the kids from real danger, it is Ivy herself who becomes a hero, using her natural skills with animals and her quick thinking.
Ivy Takes Care is similar in tone and substance to the American Girl books, and just slightly easier to read. Animal lovers who have enjoyed some of Patricia MacLachlan’s newer chapter books (like White Fur Flying and The Truth of Me) will find this book just as pleasing. It will also appeal to parents who seek books with strong moral fiber and high literary merit. This is a book highly deserving of praise, and I hope Wells continues producing more books like it for beginning chapter book readers.
September 25, 2019
Good growing-up story at just the right level for L - a few really nice pencil illustrations, larger font and double spaced. We took turns reading. Story set in the 50s, themes about work ethic and friendship for discussion. Also led to a few talks about divorce- that with a little bit of language made me cringy, but good opportunities for discussing topics at a tween level.
March 26, 2018
This story is set in the summer of 1949 on a dude ranch located in the mountains of northwester Nevada. Ivy's parents work for the owners of the Red Star Guest Ranch as the wrangler/tour guide and cook. The family struggles to make ends meet each month of the year.
Ivy is an eleven-year old who will begin sixth grade in the fall. She is an only child who is nurtured and encouraged by her parents to be whatever she chooses to become. Ivy loves animals and decides she would like to go to college to become a veterinarian.
In order to save money for her college envelope, she opens up a summer business taking care of animals while the owners are away on vacation. She names her business Ivy Takes Care.
Ivy is interested in learning about caring for animals and veterinary medicine. The local veterinarian mentors Ivy and even allows her to perform some simple procedures with him while they're out on calls. She learns how to give injections and how to assist a horse who has been bitten by a rattlesnake.The vet pays Ivy to clean his office and the animal cages every afternoon during her summer vacation.
The son of the owners of the dude ranch, Billy Joe Butterworth, is a pest and a constant challenge who wears on Ivy's every nerve. He causes some traumatic situations with his crazy antics and impulsive behavior, but the two have a bond that grows stronger as the story progresses.
Ivy's best friend, Annie, leads a privileged life so the issues of social disparity are dealt with in a sensitive manner. I believe Ivy learns and grows tremendously through the way Annie distances herself from Ivy because of their varying lifestyles.
This is a heartwarming story I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I enjoy midcentury fiction written for adults and children, and I felt this book was authentic to the time period in every way. Ivy's family used a telephone with six party lines. Our neighborhood was on party lines when I was a child, but I think we only shared our line with two other families! I remember the chaos, not to mention the lack of privacy, we experienced every time we received a telephone call.
I respected and liked Ivy very much because of her kindness toward people and animals, her ambition, and her resilience in the face of adversity. I'd also like to mention how much the illustrator's drawings enriched the story. The cover art, in particular, is simply stunning.
**Highly recommended for fans of western fiction, historical fiction, and fiction about caring for animals.
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I borrowed this book from the children's section of our local public library.
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Ivy is an eleven-year old who will begin sixth grade in the fall. She is an only child who is nurtured and encouraged by her parents to be whatever she chooses to become. Ivy loves animals and decides she would like to go to college to become a veterinarian.
In order to save money for her college envelope, she opens up a summer business taking care of animals while the owners are away on vacation. She names her business Ivy Takes Care.
Ivy is interested in learning about caring for animals and veterinary medicine. The local veterinarian mentors Ivy and even allows her to perform some simple procedures with him while they're out on calls. She learns how to give injections and how to assist a horse who has been bitten by a rattlesnake.The vet pays Ivy to clean his office and the animal cages every afternoon during her summer vacation.
The son of the owners of the dude ranch, Billy Joe Butterworth, is a pest and a constant challenge who wears on Ivy's every nerve. He causes some traumatic situations with his crazy antics and impulsive behavior, but the two have a bond that grows stronger as the story progresses.
Ivy's best friend, Annie, leads a privileged life so the issues of social disparity are dealt with in a sensitive manner. I believe Ivy learns and grows tremendously through the way Annie distances herself from Ivy because of their varying lifestyles.
This is a heartwarming story I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I enjoy midcentury fiction written for adults and children, and I felt this book was authentic to the time period in every way. Ivy's family used a telephone with six party lines. Our neighborhood was on party lines when I was a child, but I think we only shared our line with two other families! I remember the chaos, not to mention the lack of privacy, we experienced every time we received a telephone call.
I respected and liked Ivy very much because of her kindness toward people and animals, her ambition, and her resilience in the face of adversity. I'd also like to mention how much the illustrator's drawings enriched the story. The cover art, in particular, is simply stunning.
**Highly recommended for fans of western fiction, historical fiction, and fiction about caring for animals.
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I borrowed this book from the children's section of our local public library.
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January 5, 2018
It's 1949 and Ivy's family runs a Dude Ranch in Nevada. They are constantly working to make ends meet, though Ivy loves her life. She is into animals and nature in a big way. Her best friend, Amy, is very different, however. Her parents have a lot of money. Amy goes away every summer to a special camp. Right before Amy leaves for the summer, she and a friend come to visit Ivy. Ivy says something that upsets Amy's "camp friend." Now Ivy believes that Amy won't be her friend anymore.
So, she decides to buy Amy a friendship ring and send it to her at camp. But those are very expensive and a luxury that her parents can't afford. So, Ivy decides to get a job and posts an announcement on a community board for "pet sitting" (she can't bear the thought of babysitting children ... yikes!) Soon, she has her first customer, taking care of a horse while the people are away. She is so responsible and trustworthy that other opportunities arise quickly. Even when she has a chance to take a vacation with Amy, she chooses to keep her promise to those people who have hired her in good faith to take care of their animals. It's not easy, but she knows it's right.
And the local veterinarian says that she has a real talent with animals and should think about going to college to become a vet. This opens up a whole new world for Ivy.
Such a great story, especially for students who like animals. A definite addition to the library.
So, she decides to buy Amy a friendship ring and send it to her at camp. But those are very expensive and a luxury that her parents can't afford. So, Ivy decides to get a job and posts an announcement on a community board for "pet sitting" (she can't bear the thought of babysitting children ... yikes!) Soon, she has her first customer, taking care of a horse while the people are away. She is so responsible and trustworthy that other opportunities arise quickly. Even when she has a chance to take a vacation with Amy, she chooses to keep her promise to those people who have hired her in good faith to take care of their animals. It's not easy, but she knows it's right.
And the local veterinarian says that she has a real talent with animals and should think about going to college to become a vet. This opens up a whole new world for Ivy.
Such a great story, especially for students who like animals. A definite addition to the library.
November 10, 2016
Eleven-year-old Ivy lives on a Nevada ranch in 1949, where her father runs the stables and her mother cooks for the paying guests. Ivy's best friend is leaving for summer camp in New Hampshire, which means the only nearby person close to Ivy's age is Billy Joe Butterworth, whose parents own the ranch, and Billy Joe is constantly getting into trouble. Ivy comes up with a way to fill her free time while earning money doing something she loves...taking care of nearby family's horses and other pets while they are on vacation. Ivy is also contemplating the fact that she and her best friend, Annie, are growing apart.
This is a very sweet story about a young girl learning to follow her own path and dreams in life. Ivy is a very likable character. The illustrations in the book are beautiful, as well.
This is a very sweet story about a young girl learning to follow her own path and dreams in life. Ivy is a very likable character. The illustrations in the book are beautiful, as well.
October 10, 2021
An enjoyable and inspiring story...but completely anachronistic.
Why the author chose to set this story in 1949 is beyond me, except to venture the guess that this would allow for minimal parental supervision, kids driving, using shotguns....
However, not an ounce of 1949 features in this story, from mentions of blue nail-polish, "jeans" (not overalls or dungarees) to Ivy's father causally asking, "Doctor or Lawyer?" and being totally fine with Ivy's reply of: "Vet," this when girls were not commonly even getting a BA.
Illustrations did not help; the generic little girl in long, loose hair looks nothing like a child in '49 would have.
Great stroy...just a couple or more decades off, historically!
Why the author chose to set this story in 1949 is beyond me, except to venture the guess that this would allow for minimal parental supervision, kids driving, using shotguns....
However, not an ounce of 1949 features in this story, from mentions of blue nail-polish, "jeans" (not overalls or dungarees) to Ivy's father causally asking, "Doctor or Lawyer?" and being totally fine with Ivy's reply of: "Vet," this when girls were not commonly even getting a BA.
Illustrations did not help; the generic little girl in long, loose hair looks nothing like a child in '49 would have.
Great stroy...just a couple or more decades off, historically!
October 5, 2017
A remarkable chapter book about a young girl striving for a better future doing what she loves, taking care of animals. A rare story that includes excellent character development, strong values and the struggles of finding true friendships. A great mentor is crucial to shaping this young woman's life along with discovering the invisible powers to guide to do what they do. Ivy hopes the power "to bring back life and stop suffering" is a power that can one day be her's as well.
A powerful and moving story for any young lady or lad.
A powerful and moving story for any young lady or lad.
December 15, 2022
The book was recommended to my daughter by a mom-friend and she ended up liking it, wanting me to read it, too. It's wholesome for kids, especially for aspiring vets like my daughter. The main character is poor but hard working and compassionate- a girl of good character. I like that she didn't compromise who she was even while her best friend abandoned her for the popular girls.
There are a few interesting parts but the plot is sleepy for the most part.
There are a few interesting parts but the plot is sleepy for the most part.
May 23, 2022
This was a book I just randomly picked up at the library. It was sweet, pretty realistic, and just an overall fun read. Of course, being that I'm a fast reader and this is a short book, I finished it up within a day or so. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for clean animal books for their children.
December 31, 2017
Have In this
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2020
Sweet story with beautiful illustrations by Jim LaMarche.
March 15, 2014
I listened to this book with my kids--the narrator wasn't *amazing,* but the story captivated all of us. A perfect story in many ways for the (many) young girls who dream of being a veterinarian, love horses, and/or love animals in general. We enjoyed how resourceful and competent Ivy was at her little summer business. There are some nice suspenseful parts in which an animal is lost or wounded, and Ivy participates in the rescue. Her character and that of the boy who lived on her ranch--Billy Joe--were nicely developed. Both matured quite a bit throughout the story.
I felt that storyline revolving around Annie, Ivy's best friend, was incomplete. Wells spends a significant amount of time at the beginning of the book looking at their friendship, how lonely Ivy is when Annie leaves for camp, and the insecurities Ivy feels as a result of the economic gap between their two families. When Annie returns at the end of the summer, the two friends drift apart--but this is hardly discussed and I needed more resolution to that. It played such a big role at the beginning of the story. Ivy definitely matures through that experience, and I can appreciate that Wells shows us that rather than tells it. Still….
The setting is 1949 in Nevada. It's amazing how much more freedom kids had then! A good historical fiction read with appropriate details (particularly the monetary amounts/payments), this still feels a lot like realistic fiction and won't turn off readers who don't like historical fiction. It's a sweet story that will appeal to precocious younger readers as much as to those 5th and 6th grade vet-wannabees.
I felt that storyline revolving around Annie, Ivy's best friend, was incomplete. Wells spends a significant amount of time at the beginning of the book looking at their friendship, how lonely Ivy is when Annie leaves for camp, and the insecurities Ivy feels as a result of the economic gap between their two families. When Annie returns at the end of the summer, the two friends drift apart--but this is hardly discussed and I needed more resolution to that. It played such a big role at the beginning of the story. Ivy definitely matures through that experience, and I can appreciate that Wells shows us that rather than tells it. Still….
The setting is 1949 in Nevada. It's amazing how much more freedom kids had then! A good historical fiction read with appropriate details (particularly the monetary amounts/payments), this still feels a lot like realistic fiction and won't turn off readers who don't like historical fiction. It's a sweet story that will appeal to precocious younger readers as much as to those 5th and 6th grade vet-wannabees.
August 2, 2013
Something about this sweet, little novel just sings to me. Rosemary Wells is a master at her craft and it is so enjoyable to read her outside of her Max and Ruby masterpieces. Ivy is a girl, having just graduated from the 5th grade, who scrapes by with her loving family in the plains of Nevada, set about mid-century. Ivy's best friend Annie is just about to leave for a fancy summer camp in New Hampshire and Ivy is not looking forward to another quiet summer. Ivy, however, has a passion and a gift for animals and all sorts at that: dogs, horses, sheep, you name it. She starts an animal care business and is soon embarking on jobs large and small, all the while earning some money that she intends to save for college as well as trying to avoid tagalog Billy Joe, who attracts trouble and headaches with his insouciant ways. Animal stories always seem to have sad parts and I kept waiting for the axe to drop, but Wells succeeds in sharing Ivy's story with all its trials and frustrations without needed to yank our heart out. It's just right.
Hand this novel to your young readers who love animals, horses, and their independence. Ages 8-12.
Hand this novel to your young readers who love animals, horses, and their independence. Ages 8-12.
April 2, 2014
This was a sweet and gentle story set in the late '40s where Ivy, whose family barely gets by, watches her well-off best friend head to a fancy girls summer camp and wonders what to do with herself for the lonely stretch of summer. She ends up starting a business caring for animals while their owners are out of town. She discovers she has a talent for caring for animals, one that the local vet encourages her to pursue.
While a slow-paced story, it nonetheless tells us much about Ivy's life in Nevada during the late '40s as it includes much details from the period (for example, the price of goods and materials). The big draw, however, is the animals. There's plenty of details about Ivy's work caring for the animals, which I appreciated. I liked that Ivy didn't shy away from hard work when it came to caring for the animals in her charge and I think it will be appreciated by my patrons as well. I will happily recommend this to those who want to read about horses or other animals.
Recommended, grades 3 and up.
While a slow-paced story, it nonetheless tells us much about Ivy's life in Nevada during the late '40s as it includes much details from the period (for example, the price of goods and materials). The big draw, however, is the animals. There's plenty of details about Ivy's work caring for the animals, which I appreciated. I liked that Ivy didn't shy away from hard work when it came to caring for the animals in her charge and I think it will be appreciated by my patrons as well. I will happily recommend this to those who want to read about horses or other animals.
Recommended, grades 3 and up.
July 24, 2013
Ivy is the daughter of ranch workers yet her best friend is the daughter of a very privileged family. One summer this difference finally takes its toll on their friendship and as Annie goes off to the exciting and wealthy lifestyle of an elite girl's camp, Ivy is left to figure out things on her own. Thankfully she is a scrappy yet tender-hearted young girl who makes the best of things by doing what she loves the most, taking care of any and all animals. Ivy is a wonderful character, yet this novel is filled with a fabulous supporting cast as well. I am not typically a Rosemary Wells fan, but I adored this book.
May 31, 2013
Set in 1949, on a dude ranch in Nevada, the story begins at the start of summer vacation for Ivy, a soon to be sixth grader. The summer turns into one of revelation and personal awakening when Ivy realizes she is gifted in caring for animals. Her initial goal of earning money for the newest trend in middle school trinkets is replaced with earning money for a college education, and eventually veterinarian school. The various friends, relatives, and animals have believable personalities, with the cumulative effect being a well balanced story with both laughter and tension.
May 17, 2013
Ivy Takes Care is a book that animal-lovers would enjoy to the fullest. Ivy, a young girl, is very kind and helpful -- not only to the people on her family's Nevada ranch, but also to the animals around her from turtles to rattlesnakes. Circumstances result in a summer friendship with Billy Joe Butterworth, a boy famous for getting into trouble. Dealing with Billy Joe and the many animals that Ivy has taken under her wing lead to quite a summer for Ivy.
August 6, 2013
This is a sweet, old fashioned type of story, but it has enough action to keep it interesting. Ivy lives on a ranch in Nevada in 1949. Money is tight and Ivy would like to become a veterinarian so she makes extra money taking care of horses, dogs and other farm animals. Her work with the animals takes away some of the sting of losing her best friend Annie who comes from a more affluent family. I think that this book would appeal to girls who love animals especially horses.
March 13, 2015
gr 3-6 199pgs
1949, Red Star Guest Ranch, Nevada. 11 year old Ivy and her family work on the Red Star Guest Ranch, which is where guests stay for six weeks while their divorces are finalized. Ivy has always been good with animals and decides to put those skills to work over the summer when she needs to earn some money. Ivy "pet sits" various animals for neighbors and guests including horses and a puppy.
A nice gentle read.
1949, Red Star Guest Ranch, Nevada. 11 year old Ivy and her family work on the Red Star Guest Ranch, which is where guests stay for six weeks while their divorces are finalized. Ivy has always been good with animals and decides to put those skills to work over the summer when she needs to earn some money. Ivy "pet sits" various animals for neighbors and guests including horses and a puppy.
A nice gentle read.
March 21, 2013
Despite some incredibly exciting passages, this book was written about a quieter time and place. It has a lot to say about responsibility and following your dreams. Ivy lives on a 1949 Nevada ranch, where the guests are all people awaiting divorce decrees. Her one true love is animals.
April 22, 2013
Great for girls who love animals, horses and dogs, especially. I would have loved It as a 9 year old. Set in Nevada, I appreciated the western sensibilities and the encounters with rattlesnakes, that were also a part of my childhood.
May 2, 2013
If Ivy did not tell you that it was 1949 and the cost of items were not so cheap, you would think this story is happening today. Ivy's parents work on a dude ranch but do not have a lot of money, so Ivy finds jobs taking care of animals to save money for college so she can be a vet someday.
August 17, 2013
nice pics. Story set in the 40s an U fig it out quickly when they talk about money. Wow was college ever 300 for 4 years?! But girl takes care of animals to earn extra money. An puts up w rude neighbour boy.
September 6, 2013
This gem of a story will be very popular with several of my animal-loving students. Turtles, horses, and dogs star next to Ivy an animal caretaker, who is the epitome of the phrase "animal whisperer."
November 23, 2013
Sweet story that will appeal to animal loving elementary girls. I didn't care for it- too perfect in a fairy tale, everything works out kind of way. Problems/conflicts were resolved in a few short pages.
March 16, 2014
An old fashioned story about a young girl named Ivy who lives on a ranch with her parents. Ivy is a sweet caring girl who loves animals. I enjoyed Ivy's way of dealing with difficult situations; everything from animal emergencies to friendships. A wonderful read for students in grades 3 and up.
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