Ivy and the Meanstalk - Book Review

Title ~ Ivy and the Meanstalk
Series ~ Ivy Ever After #2
Author ~ Dawn Lairamore
Release Date ~ October 2, 2011
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Holiday House
Source ~ The Elliott Review

GOODREADS SUMMARY

After finding her long-lost fairy godmother, escaping a forthcoming marriage, and saving her kingdom from the dastardly designs of a scheming prince, Princess Ivy wants nothing more than to have a little fun and enjoy the company of her new dragon friend, Elridge. But long ago a magical harp went missing, snatched by a thieving youth named Jack. Its rightful owner wants it back—or the entire kingdom will suffer an unspeakable fate! So Ivy and Elridge are off on another fairy-tale-inspired adventure, one that will take them across the sea, into the fiery depths of a magnificent golden kingdom, and high into the clouds, where an enormous castle looms at the top of a giant bean—that is, meanstalk. Will they find the harp in time?

REVIEW

In the aftermath of Jack and the Beanstalk, the giantess has grown grouchy from lack of sleep. You see, she needs the harp that Jack stole to fall asleep. Now, she wants revenge on the kingdom. It is up to Princess Ivy to save the day. 

Ivy is fearless and pretty much unstoppable in her quest for the harp. She is quick on her feet and uses her persuasion to get things done. Ivy also relies on her dragon friend, Elridge, who is very wise. These two make a great team and it was fun to root for them.

Ivy’s journey leads her to Jackitopia, the kingdom across the sea that Jack created many years ago. Jackitopia is as self-serving as the name implies. Jack passed away many years ago, but his long line of male descendants are all named Jack. They are up to Jack 103 now! Oh, and the girls are all named Jaclyn. It’s pretty funny. The hens still lay golden eggs and everyone in Jackitopia is obsessed with gold.  

Ivy and the Meanstalk is an entertaining book that is great for middle graders. I enjoyed reading about the imaginary world that Dawn Lairamore created.

RATING

4 Liked

COVER COMMENTS

What a great cover! There’s Ivy riding on Elridge next to the giant beanstalk. I like the muted colors and the old-fashioned title font.