What's the first thing anyone hears about poison ivy? "Leaflets three, let it be!" But this engaging nonfiction book will surprise readers who fear the itch--inducing plant. Taking us through the year, the narrative introduces the rabbit who nibbles on the tender leaves after a hard winter, the salamander who shelters in the plant's cool, umbrella--shadows, the fall insects who wrap themselves in poison--ivy blankets, and the birds who feast on its berries in the starving heart of winter. Poison ivy has always seemed mysterious in its danger, but it too has a purpose and it has something to give.