Common Sense Media Review
Friendship tale a sure hit with kids starting chapter books.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 36 parent reviews
Parents say that this book has become a source of contention among readers, with many praising its humor and imaginative storytelling, while others express concern over its themes of witchcraft and perceived poor role modeling for children. Some parents appreciate the wacky adventures of the characters as a fun expression of childhood, while others condemn the portrayal of rude behavior and moral ambiguity, suggesting it promotes negative attitudes among young readers.
- quirky humor
- controversial themes
- negative role models
- lively storytelling
- concerns over content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say the book is an easy read that many find funny and relatable, especially young readers who enjoy the adventures of the mischievous characters. However, there are strong concerns from some parents about its themes, labeling it as promoting bad behavior and mischief, making it unsuitable for young children.
- easy read
- funny
- misbehavior concerns
- not suitable for young kids
- relatable characters
- good for pre-teens
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
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.
Is It Any Good?
IVY + BEAN makes the jump to chapter books easier with its large-print, easy-to-follow text, expressive illustrations -- and, most important, 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, and dutiful, and Bean is wild, dirty, and full of sass. Not until they join forces against Bean's older sister do they discover each 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the old adage, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Ivy and Bean had no interest in being friends when they met because each thought the other was too different. What do they discover about each other?
What other books have you read that feature strong girls as main characters?
How are Ivy and Bean more similar in personality than different? Do you have friends who are just like you or different in many ways?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Sophie Blackall
- Genre : For Beginning Readers
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Chronicle Books
- Publication date : April 17, 2007
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 6 - 9
- Number of pages : 120
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : December 12, 2025
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