Laura McGee Kvasnosky

I have a sister who is 2 years younger than I am, so I identified so much with this book! I love how Laura Mcgee Kvasnosky captures the complex relationship of sisters: the love, the friendship, the power dynamics, and the problems. I had to laugh when the older sister Zelda convinces Ivy to do outlandish and foolish things, keeping herself at a safe distance. I think my little sister can attest that our relationship was very much the same. I had a lot of great ideas and could convince her show more to do almost anything, but somehow she kept ending up with the short end of the stick! I love how it also portrays Zelda using this power for good, convincing Ivy that she can wish with magical dust, and giving Ivy her baton that Ivy wanted so much. It's a beautifully realistic portrayal of sisterhood.

I love the bright, simple, heavily outlined illustrations. Kvasnosky can make such complicated facial expressions from the very simple eyes and mouth that she draws! show less

I might have liked it better if I'd read either of the other two previous books first, but I had to expend a lot of energy (relatively speaking) getting to know these sisters before I could learn to appreciate them. But I can't resist grabbing Candlewick books impulsively. I will now look for the others in the series.

The contrasting colors and detailed illustrations give this book energy and vibrance. The three chapters are self contained and provide a nice point to stop and ask questions. The language is clear and concise, and effectively uses language to describe the action.

Divided into three short chapters, Zelda and Ivy is a touching story about the best and the worst of sisterhood. Zelda may be bossy, even mean at times, but in the end - she shows her true stripes as a caring, loving (still bossy!) older sister. Younger sisters are sure to identify with thoughtful and slightly gullible Ivy.