A Three-Legged Griffin, Some Trolls on a Mission, a Dragon with a Headcold, and Pesky Fairies - Just Another Day in the Woods

Hello, Readers!

This week 2nd graders are discussing Ivy, a fantasy written by Katherine Coville. This story is a charming example of how we can all bring kindness, a positive attitude, and a helping hand in  an effort to foster a world that is full of acceptance and peace. Coville creates endearing (and perhaps a couple of not-so-endearing) characters that readers will enjoy.

Ivy’s grandmother is a healer—to mostly four-legged patients of he forest. Although the woodland creatures love her, the residents of Broomsweep grumble about Grandmother’s unkempt garden. When a kingdom-wide contest is announced to proclaim the tidiest town in the land, the people of Broomsweep are determined to win. That is, if they can get Ivy’s grandmother to clean up her ways. Ivy is determined to lend a hand, but the task proves more challenging when a series of unexpected refugees descends on Grandmother’s cottage. Before the week is over, an injured griffin, a dragon with a cold, and a tiny flock of temperamental pixies will cause a most untidy uproar in Broomsweep . . . and brighten Ivy’s days in ways she never could have dreamed.

Source: publisher's description https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/253068/ivy-by-katherine-coville/9780553539752

Possible Discussion Questions:

1. How do the people of Broomsweep act toward Meg the Healer (Grandma) and Ivy? Why do the townspeople act that way?
2. Talk about Mistress and Mayor Peevish. How would you describe their personalities?
3. Why did Cedric the Three-Legged Griffin and Balthazar the Dragon arrive at Grandma Meg's cottage?
4. How did the arrival of the magical creatures help or hurt the chances of Broomsweep winning the contest?
5. Two other types of magical creatures are a part of this story: fairies and trolls. Describe how they are the cause of some problems. How do the problems get solved?
6. Peter is one character who changed in this story. How did he change? Give an example of another character who changed and explain the changes you noticed.
7. What message did the author want readers to understand after reading this story?
8. Who was your favorite character in this book? Why?

Curriculum Connections:

• Character Traits and Life Skills: Problem Solving, Kindness, Teamwork, Differences
• Writing: Narrative Techniques (the power of three, dialogue)
• Fantasy: Mythological Creatures

What 2nd Grade Book Club Members Thought:

• Our rating: 4.0 out of 5
• "I wondered why did the griffin protect Poof so much?" --Boris
• "My favorite part is when C.T.L. Griffin said, 'I GUARD THE POOF.'" --Ansley
• "I wondered why the trolls go and take Mistress Peevish and Mayor Peevish." --Rivian
• "My favorite part was when Cedric arrived and he made a crash landing." --Jake
• "I want to talk about when Balthazar blasts Mistress Peevish with dragon snot and fire." --Nathan
• "My favorite part was when the trolls attacked!" --Boris
• "I wondered why so much animals keep on going to grandmother's house." --Jake

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