Lairamore, Dawn. Ivy and the Meanstalk.

Lairamore, Dawn.  Ivy and the Meanstalk.  Holiday House, 2011.  227p.  $16.95

ISBN 978-0-8234-2392-7  ms/jr VG-BNS     

     What happened after Jack climbed the beanstalk?  When he made off with the harp and hen, did he consider the repercussions of his actions?  Fans of “Ivy’s Ever After,” in which Princess Ivy saved her kingdom from a scheming prince, will enjoy “Ivy and the Meanstalk.”  Princess Ivy has little time to bask in her earlier success.  She and her friend  Eldridge, a dragon, find the kingdom of Ardendale threatened once more.  Largessa, a giantess suffering from insomnia since her golden harp and hen were stolen by a youth named Jack, threatens Ardendale with a terrible fate if her belongings are not returned to her in one week.  So Ivy and Eldridge embark on (another) fairy-tale-inspired quest, which will take them across the sea, into a golden kingdom, and up a man-eating “meanstalk.”
     The lighthearted story is humorous and entertaining, with potential for springboarding interesting discussions about how historical events may be interpreted from differing perspectives, depending on which character is sharing his or her experiences, the ethics of stealing to avert a tragedy, and the fallout created by individuals who seek revenge. 
Subjects: 1.  Princesses - Fiction.  2. Fairy Godmothers - Fiction. 3. Dragons-Fiction. 4. Giants - Fiction.     

Hilary Welliver