Ivy's Ever After

Reach for this book when your child starts resisting the expectations others place on them or begins to voice a desire for independence. It is an empowering choice for children who feel like they do not fit the traditional mold of what they are supposed to be. The story follows Princess Ivy, a girl who prefers clambering over castle walls to courtly manners. When she realizes her arranged marriage is part of a dark plot, she defies her father and the kingdom's expectations to save her world. At its heart, this is a story about agency and the courage required to define your own identity. It explores themes of loyalty and self-confidence through the lens of a classic fairy tale flipped on its head. Recommended for ages 8 to 12, it provides a safe yet exciting space for kids to consider what it means to stand up for yourself even when it means going against the grain of tradition. Parents will appreciate how it models critical thinking and healthy boundary setting.