Oddnia: Ivy's Walk

I was captivated by this story of Ivy's Walk through Oddnia, and the unique world that Hall has created. Reading it as an adult, I appreciated the strong sense of rhythm in the sentence and chapter structure. The descriptions gave me a clear picture of each of the characters. I know that I would have also liked this book if I had first read it as a child, and would have delighted in the inventive language that gives imaginative names to the creatures and their habitats. There is a directness to the writing that enables a young reader to understand and follow the story, but much thought provoking material for older youth and adults, such as the idea that the characters were able to smell emotions and feelings. The short chapters are effective in building suspense and are conducive to reading the book aloud. The story has humor, adventure, danger, and tenderness. I eagerly await a sequel.

AN EXTREMELY CREATIVE WORK. THE READER ACCOMPANIES "IVY" ON A LONG LONELY JOURNEY. SHE MEETS AND IS BEFRIENDED BY "ROK". TOGETHER, THEY EMBARK ON AN ADVENTURE WHICH IS FRAUGHT WITH DANGER AND EXCITEMENT. THE CAST OF CHARACTERS DEPICTED ARE TRULY MEMORABLE. ANNIE HALL POSSESSES THE ABILTY TO WEAVE A HIGHLY IMAGINATIVE TALE WHICH IS ALSO SENSITIVE AND COMPELLING. PLAUDITS TO THE AUTHOR

Oddnia:Ivy's Walk takes the reader on a journey into Oddnia with Ivy, a tiny young sythe, who has been abandoned in the Valley East. Ivy is sweet, endearing, and strong, and kept me totally enchanted. The author, Annie Hall, has a fresh style and a presents a perfectly childlike point of view. Ivy finds herself in the company of Rok, a large lovable creature so unlike her to the eye, but who comes to love her as his own Tad. They have many obstacles and lessons ahead of them, and I found myself wanting to read it slowly, to better enjoy Hall's delightfully descriptive writing. I have just begun reading this story to my fourth graders, and they are loving it!