Animal lovers will feast on the details Wells (Following Grandfather) includes and envy Ivy’s opportunities to lavish her care on dogs, horses, and even a new litter of fox kits; all will be quickly won over by her good nature, determination, confidence and loyalty.
—Publishers Weekly
This will be popular with animal lovers, especially those who enjoyed Jessie Haas’ Beware the Mare series.
—Booklist
Ivy is…immensely likable and will inspire children who are interested in veterinary care…Give this one to animal lovers.
—School Library Journal
Wells’ narrative voice is as thoughtful and dependable as Ivy herself, and she capably evokes the historical and geographical settings, giving just enough detail to make the surroundings intriguing without distracting readers from the main threads of Ivy’s story. Animal-loving youngsters who dream of becoming vets will be in heaven here, and girls with their own friendship troubles may also relate to Ivy’s difficulties with Annie.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
The moving story, told from a third-person limited perspective, brings the characters to life for young readers.
—The Horn Book
In this warm-hearted novel, Wells offers a sympathetic but realistic portrait of human nature and a convincing message about the value of compassion and a job well-done.
—BookPage
Wells’ fine sense of plot and characterization make this tale of Ivy’s summer and the people and animals she works with a sheer delight.
—Yellow Brick Road
