Ivy Newt and the Swamp Dragons
We might expect the Swamp Dragons of the title to be the antagonists of the book, but Ivy’s foe in the third book of the Ivy Newt series takes a most unexpected form following a bubble bath gone awry. Ivy must face an enemy with a schoolyard bully malevolence that is more intimidating than any mythical creature, though there are also some fearsome beasts to face. Ivy does so with bravery and ingenuity, the help of friends old and new, and surely cheered on by anyone reading.
While this is the third book in the series, new readers are guided into the story by Brol’s illustrations and it can be easily read as a standalone story. Brol opens the book with a map that brings to life the land of Miracula, where the tale is set, and introduces the reader to the cast of characters with a charming set of portraits.
Keilty’s words are infused with the same lively sweetness as Brol’s illustrations, and they pair wonderfully to bring the story to life. The book opens and closes with scenes of quaintly magical domesticity, which children are sure to find enchanting, as the everyday is infused with a dash of the supernatural. Between this cosiness is a truly thrilling adventure, where Ivy must face real peril.
Readers will be swept along with the swiftness of the broomsticks that streak the sky throughout and fans of the series will be itching to go back to catch up on Ivy’s exploits.
