Week 4

Week 4: Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows

Book Summary:

Ivy and Bean become fast friends when they realize the one thing they have in common is their creativity. Trouble is around the corner for the two girls as they seek revenge on Bean’s sister, Nancy by creating a magic dancing potion.

My Impressions:

Bean and Ivy is a great transition book for readers moving to chapter books as it has some illustrations. While there is some lying and name calling in the story, the characters are good-natured and receive consequences. I found their interactions to be real among siblings and friends.

Professional Review:

From School Library Journal

 “With echoes of Beverly Cleary's Ramona series, this easy chapter book will appeal to children who are graduating from beginning readers. The occasional black-and-white illustrations highlight the text and provide visual clues. The characters are appealing, the friendship is well portrayed, and the pranks and adventures are very much on grade level.” –Eve Ottenberg Stone

Library Uses:

Storytime Activity: Read section of book where Bean and Ivy use the dancing potion on Nancy. Have students create their own magic potion and ask them to share their potion with the group.

APA Reference: 

Barrows, A. (2006). Bean and Ivy. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

Stone, E. (2006, July 1). (Review of the book Bean and Ivy by A. Barrows). School Library Journal.

Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6350093.html.