Ivy and Her Nonsense
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Ivy and Her Nonsense is a whimsical tale that follows the adventures of Ivy, a young girl with a wild imagination and a penchant for getting into trouble. Throughout the story, Ivy's nonsensical view of the world leads her on a series of misadventures, each more fantastical than the last. Author Jonathan Coe weaves a narrative that challenges the boundaries between reality and fantasy, encouraging readers to find joy and wonder in the absurdities of life. As Ivy navigates her quirky universe, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, family, and the importance of embracing one's unique perspective.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Ivy felt when she encountered all the nonsense around her? Can you relate to her feelings?
How do you think Ivy managed to navigate through the nonsense? What strategies did she use?
In what ways did the other characters in the book influence Ivy's journey?
What lesson do you think Ivy learned by the end of the story?
If you were Ivy, how would you have handled the nonsense differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the story, reinforcing that all their thoughts are valuable.
Use the discussion to explore the concept of 'nonsense' in everyday life and how it can sometimes be overwhelming or confusing.
Draw parallels between Ivy’s experiences and your child’s personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
Highlight Ivy's problem-solving skills and ask your child how they might use similar strategies in their own life.
Praise your child's insights and contributions to the conversation to foster a positive and encouraging discussion environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: Ivy's relentless questions and explorations depict the essence of curiosity throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and engage deeply with their surroundings, enhancing their learning and understanding.
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: Despite facing various challenges, Ivy perseveres, showing that setbacks can be overcome with determination.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to persist through difficulties they encounter, whether in school or interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding diversity
Explanation: Ivy interacts with a wide variety of characters, each with different backgrounds, highlighting the theme of diversity.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate and respect the differences in people they meet, promoting inclusiveness.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The story portrays Ivy's ability to understand and share the feelings of others, making it a key learning point.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be considerate and supportive towards their peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Ivy's adventures require her to think critically and solve problems, which are depicted vividly in the storyline.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to develop and apply problem-solving skills in academic settings and everyday situations.