Zelda and Ivy One Christmas [Hardcover]

Laura McGee Kvasnosky (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Zelda and Ivy

Zelda and Ivy discover the spirit of Christmas, in a holiday book with heart—and humor.

Christmas is coming, and Zelda and Ivy have high hopes. Zelda longs for a fancy evening gown, and Ivy has her heart set on a Princess Mimi doll complete with ballet accessories. But when the fox sisters realize their elderly neighbor, Mrs. Brownlie, is spending Christmas alone, they have more than just their own holiday wishes to think about. Will the Christmas Elves leave something special under the tree for everyone?

With favorite characters, an endearing story line, and beautiful illustrations trimmed with merry details, award-winning author-illustrator Laura McGee Kvasnosky's third book about the fabulous fox sisters has all the makings of an enduring Christmas classic.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A new book about the Fox sisters, otherwise known as Zelda and Ivy, is bound to bring them new fans. In this three-chapter follow-up to Zelda and Ivy and Zelda and Ivy and the Boy Next Door, the dynamic duo talks to their neighbor Mrs. Brownlie about what they want for Christmas in "Christmas Wishes." Zelda becomes the Amazing Zeldarina to foretell what they will get in "Christmas Fortunes," and finally, in "Christmas Gifts," both they and Mrs. Brownlie get exactly what they had hoped for. Laura Kvasnovsky's inimitable illustrations and deft touch with the story line capture perfectly the lives and hopes of two sisters who get along really well--on the whole. Zelda tends to order Ivy about, or not give her what she wants, but Ivy knows how to look after herself. Siblings on both sides of the age divide will appreciate both their innocent good humor and the author's way of exhibiting but not dwelling on the tensions between them. (Ages 4 to 8) --Richard Farr

From Booklist

Ages 5-8. The spirit of giving is exemplified in this engaging return of the popular red fox sisters, who first appeared in Zelda and Ivy (1998). Bright gouache illustrations picture the sisters preparing for Christmas with their recently widowed neighbor, Mrs. Brownlie. As the three bake gingerbread cookies and paw through catalogs for gift ideas, they remember Mr. Brownlie and how they miss him. When the sisters return home, they set about making a present for Mrs. Brownlie to cheer her up, and amusing sisterly exchanges result: Zelda wrestles authority from Ivy; the foxes discuss the gifts they'll receive. Children will guess the identity of the Christmas Elf who leaves the sisters just what they wanted, and Mrs. Brownlie, in turn, is delighted with her gift from the girls. The joy here is not just in the receiving of lovingly tendered presents; it's in the giving--of companionship, affection, and memories, priceless rewards for any season. Ellen Mandel
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; 1st edition (October 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763610003
• ISBN-13: 978-0763610005
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #839,119 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Tale with a Message, November 22, 2006

By 

Wantz Upon A Time Reviews (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zelda and Ivy: One Christmas (Paperback)

Zelda and Ivy are fox sisters who are looking forward to Christmas. After sharing their Christmas wishes with Mrs. Brownlie, a recently widowed neighbor, they decide to do something nice for her. Together, they make a nice present and plan to give it to Mrs. Brownlie from the "Christmas Elves." If all goes well, everyone will have a wonderful Christmas.

This is a cute holiday story that displays the true spirit of the season. Young readers will learn the value of giving, as well as how much it means to the recipient of the kindness. Bold, whimsical illustrations add flavor to a sweet story.

There are three chapters in this book, but the second chapter seems a bit out of place. It is called "Chapter Two: Christmas Fortunes." In it, Zelda pretends to be a fortuneteller, and Ivy asks if she will receive the present she has wished for from Santa. Although this little chapter is cute, it adds nothing to the story--it feels more like an interlude. Of course, if this is the worst a person can say about a children's holiday story, then it certainly is not a bad reading choice!

I recommend this story for parents who wish to share some holiday spirit with their youngsters. This is a tale that will teach the value of kindness.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
11/22/2006

4½-BALLOONS for WUAT Kids; 5-Stars for Amazon

PS: Take the Zelda & Ivy Personality Quiz at Laura McGee Kvasnosky's website!