Book Buddies: Ivy Lost and Found

Written by Cynthia Lord

Narrated by Merissa Czyz

Ivy used to be Anne the librarian’s favorite doll when she was a little girl. And when Anne finds Ivy again in the attic, she brings her to the library to join the Book Buddies, toys that can be checked out, just like books. But Ivy doesn’t want
to be borrowed. She wants to go back to the way things used to be when she was Anne’s favorite toy.

Fern, who is spending time with her dad and his new family, doesn’t want to go to the library—story time is for younger kids like her stepsiblings, Sophie and Ethan. And she definitely doesn’t want to borrow a doll. But Sophie insists and Fern ends
up borrowing Ivy. Can Fern and Ivy find a way to help each other adjust to a world that’s changed?

From Newbery Honor winner Cynthia Lord and celebrated artist Stephanie Graegin, here is the first in a heartwarming series about a group of friendly toys at the library and the children who borrow them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781980071822

Cynthia Lord

Cynthia Lord is the Newbery Honor author of Rules and other middle-grade novels. Her first picture book, Hot Rod Hamster, inspired a bestselling series about a speed-loving hamster that also includes early reader books. Her chapter-book series, Shelter Pet Squad, appeared on the American Booksellers Association’s ABC Best Books for Children list. Cindy lives in Maine with her husband, John Bald, their children, and a collection of beloved animals, including three rabbits (so far!).

Reviews for Book Buddies

[impy_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ivy Lost and Found is an adorable book that I suspect I would have both loved and hated as a child. Ivy, our doll heroine, is given to a little girl, Annie, and the two become fast friends. Ivy loves Annie fiercely and the two go everywhere together... until they don't. Annie grows up and little by little she leaves Ivy behind. Ivy is eventually packed away and forgotten. Annie finds Ivy years later and decides to bring her to work at the library to be part of the book buddies program where kids can check out stuffed animals/dolls for two weeks. Ivy wants no part of this initially, as she wants to go back to being Annie's only. She finds herself reluctantly taken home by Fern, as neither is really too sure of this plan, but figure it's only for two weeks. The rest of the book details the happenings while Ivy is on her first Book Buddy adventure and it's a sweet story. Earlier I said kid!me would've loved and hated it, and the loved part is obvious. Dolls have emotions and love you back! Yes! Hate is also kind of obvious because who wants to think of growing up and leaving your friends behind, breaking their hearts in the process? But I do think this book will help kids not feel too bad about maybe giving their toys a new life with someone else should the time come. And that is an invaluable lesson.I was sent an ARC of this book but you can bet I'll be buying a copy for the goddaughter.

[wrightja2000 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I started reading this aloud to my 8yo daughter and pretty soon my kids (ages 4, 10, and even the 13yo) were listening to the adventures of Ivy the doll. The kids liked the message that even though being forgotten is hard and sad, it means that you can be found again. I think that translates well to the message that sad and hard things are a part of life but good things can come after. The kids also liked the different toy characters. There was a tiny bit of peril but not enough to make my kids want to stop reading (they don't like tense situations in books and movies)- the 4 yo only got worried and hid his head once. So it's a good gentle read for sensitive kids. The kids also really enjoyed the detailed black and white drawings on almost every page. They are eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in the series."I liked it because it was really fun and cool. I loved it because she learned a lesson that when you are toy, you don't always have to only have one friend. And if somebody forgets you, it's ok, you can be found again." (8 yo reader)I received this book from LibraryThing in exchange for my honest review.

[jackiewark · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A sweet, but encouraging story of loss and reconnection as Ivy, a once much-loved doll finds herself stored away in a lonely attic box. She longs for Anne to 'find' her again and take her on adventures. When Anne does reappear, she is much older. She is now a librarian who takes Ivy to be a 'book-buddy' at storytime. Oh! How Ivy yearns for things to go to what they once were. So, as per usual in the library, Ivy is 'adopted' for a two week stay with Fern, another lonely girl who is also longing for a reconnection. Since her parents divorced, she rarely, if ever, has time alone with her dad. His is too busy with his new family. Secrets are told back and forth between Ivy and Fern and a new normal eventually is accepted. Empathy, friendship, and a promise to listen all prove healing for Fern and Ivy. Love this story for its wonderful portrait of storytimes and libraries where children can check out, not only books, but toys too. Fond memories for me as the check-outs were one of my most favorite parts as a Children's Librarian. Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Candlewick Press, and Cynthia Lord for this ARC.

[lilibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ivy the doll is forgotten in a box when her girl grows up. When she is rediscovered, she is taken to the library to be borrowed after story times. Her first time out is an adventure with new friends, and a whole new experience for Ivy and the girl who borrows her.