Common Sense Note
Parents need to know the multi award-winning book is about making a new friend, learning about differences, and sharing an adventure. On the surface these girls appear very different. One wears dresses and reads books, the other has a sassy mouth and likes to get dirty. Some sibling issues occur, including fights with an older sister, stealing her money, playing tricks on her, and calling her names, such as "tightwad." With its over-sized print, frequent black-and-white illustrations, and easy-to-follow plot, this first book in the series is a great beginning chapter book for kids who are just emerging from early readers.
Families who read this book can discuss the old adage, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Ivy and Bean had no interest in being friends when they met because they thought the other was too different. How are Ivy and Bean actually more similar in personality than different? Do you have friends that are just like you or different in many ways? Do you like the differences?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
Making the jump from a short, early reader to a chapter book is a huge milestone for the beginning reader. IVY AND BEAN makes it easier with its large-print, easy-to-follow text, expressive illustrations -- and most importantly, two colorful 7-year-old girls.
Reminiscent of the classic Beverly Cleary series about Ramona, here's another book series about friendship, silliness, pranks, adventure, getting in trouble, and challenges with siblings, that's a sure hit with kids.
So typical of real life, these girls, who are neighbors, are urged by their respective mothers to play together. Ivy appears quiet, dainty, dutiful; and Bean is wild, dirty, and full of sass. Not until they join forces against Bean's older sister do they realize the other's unique qualities. Ivy is actually studying to become a witch. Bean knows how to move through the neighborhood via backyards. Here's to the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
From The Book
"They don't come out here much," Ivy said. "My mom is afraid of ticks."
"You probably don't ever get in trouble anyway," said Bean, feeling glum. "I'm always in trouble."
"I do too get in trouble," said Ivy.
"No, you don't," Bean said. "You read books all the time. You can't get in trouble for reading books."
Ivy said, "I will get in trouble -- really huge trouble -- if I do what I want to do. What I plan to do."
Plot Summary:
Seven-year-old Bean gets caught playing a trick on her older sister and manages to escape thanks to the help of an unlikely ally: a "quiet" neighbor girl named Ivy. Then Ivy takes Bean to a secret hideout and reveals she's a witch-in-training. When Ivy offers to cast a "dancing spell" on Bean's older sister, Bean is thrilled. As the girls work together on their plan, a friendship is born.
Related Books:
More Spunky Girls:
Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Judy Moody Saves the World by Megan McDonald
Junie B. Jones and Her Big, Fat Mouth by Barbara Park
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ViolenceHarmless pranks on sister. Bean "runs away" and comes back. |
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Social BehaviorDifferences are OK, interesting in fact. Two girls learn about each other and feel good about their new friendship. |
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