However, it was what the relationship formed around that was troubling. The two become friends when Ivy helps Bean escape punishment for one of the many instances when she torments her older sister. Bean then discovers that Ivy wasn't reading books because she was bookish, but because she is studying to become a witch. The rest of the book involves the two of them lying and causing trouble in their attempt to cast a spell on Bean's older sister. I remembered that when I was writing the first Ivy + Bean. Ivy and Bean are very different. Bean is loud and wild and goofy. She loves to be involved in games and poke her nose in other people’s business. Ivy is quiet and full of ideas. She spends most of her time learning how to be a witch. Each girl thinks the other one is weird. Each girl thinks she could never be friends with the other. Especially because their parents keep nagging them about it.

In this story the mothers of both Ivy and Bean (Bernice) have been telling them they should become friends. They live across a cul-de-sac from each other. But both girls have hesitations and have not bothered acting on the advice. Until the day Bean is about to get in big trouble, and Ivy encourages her to run from her older sister who is getting their mother. And helps bean to hide and formulate a plan. Ivy believes she is a witch and from the set up of her room she has fairly liberal parents. She has a spell book she got from an aunt that is over 100 years old. The two plot to put a spell on Bean’s sister to force her to dance non-stop. To do so they need worms, lots and lots of worms. Now, my younger daughter asked me to read this one to her. She loves it. She begs me for "just one more chapter" and wants to read all of them. And, I have to admit, after years of reading books to my kids, I've found Ivy and Bean to be among the best of the early chapter books, and I can see the appeal for both boys and girls. Dad: Eleanor, what about you? Is your favorite part today the same as your favorite part when you read it five years ago, or has it changed... Or have you changed? I had heard so much about these books from kids. Last year, my son read all that he could get his hands on. My son's friends talk about them because their teacher is reading them to the class. They all say how much they love these books, how funny they are, how much they love when the teacher reads them. We were at the book store and my son wanted me to buy him one, so I did. When his older brother said: What do you want that for? It's a girls' book. My younger son turned around and said: No, it's not. It's a good book. Are you looking your next feel-good friendship book series? Are you six years old (or older)? Do you LOVE adventure? Then let us introduce you to the dynamic (and ultra naughty) duo, Ivy and Bean!

UNIVERSAL THEMES: The perennial theme of friendship, strong characters and mischievous antics make the books great for both boys and girls. I can't believe it's been five years since Pre-School. I can't believe it's been 5 years since she's first read these books. Crazy.*

Ivy and Bean is a cute story that many children will find intriguing. In the story, you get to meet two seven-year-old girls who are as different as day and night and see how their daily lives look like. At the heart of the story is an important lesson, there is more to friendship than being the same. If you give people a chance, you will realize that they are a better company than you had assumed. Incredibly, a beautiful friendship is born out of these two girls’ interactions. While there is some mischief involved, it is also notable that the girls get appropriate punishment for their actions. In the stories, Ivy, a quiet intellectual girl, and Bean, a rambunctious wild girl, become fast friends despite their differences and initial reluctance to like each other. The series tagline sums up the series as "two friends who never meant to like each other." They are both seven year old girls who live on the cul-de-sac of Pancake Court which is set in an unmentioned town. In each book, they get into considerable mischief and have wild adventures with the other characters in the neighborhood. Eleanor: Um... The first time I read it was when I was in Pre-School. ...Well, I listened to it when I was in Pre-School. Dad: So, did you like it because you're younger than nine, and you were already allowed to get your ears pierced? Eleanor: ...I think I've changed some. And, I think that my. favorite. part. *thinking* is when Nancy danced on the worm pit. I didn't understand the dancing spell when I was younger. Five years ago, I thought that you put on a costume and the vest made you dance around.

Whether they enjoy reading big books quietly like Ivy, or love shouting and running like Bean, every child will find a friend for life in this heartwarming and super funny book series! With over 8 million copies sold, a musical and now a Netflix original film. This is a cute children’s story characterized by humor, vibrant colors, and an intriguing storyline. The girls’ characters are done so well, and you cannot help but marvel at their creativity. Bean is the wild and restless one, while Ivy has an overactive mind. The girls easily build their worlds and enjoy getting their hands dirty like other children their age. Their silly pranks will land them in trouble but leave you with a smile on your face. The illustrations are well distributed throughout the book and add a lot to the story. You will love interacting with Bean with her wild nature and all the mischief. Ivy is also such a joy with her big dreams and all kinds of imaginations. Poppy: Lah-Doe means that we get to have presents. When it's our birthday, I say "Lah-Doe" and then we get presents. So, when we're done eating cake, I say "Lah-Doe" that way we get presents. This story is as intriguing as the first one. The girls will be getting into more mischief at home and in school. While the girls get in trouble a few times, this story remains entertaining to the end. Ivy and Beans teacher is such a great person. She was kind to her students yet firm with the naughty ones, just like any teacher should do. As Ivy misuses her imaginative mind, Bean will be causing mayhem at home. The naughty girl cuts her sister’s hair, and you cannot help but wonder how far this sibling rivalry will go. Fortunately, the adults are always there to stop the mischief before things get too far. This book was recommended to my niece, nephew, and me by Cheryl in CCNV, and it was a good recommendation! My niece loved this book! I think she identified with the main characters. She understood their friendship and their motivations, and enjoyed the growth of their relationship. She was excited by the story almost immediately, and urged me to read multiple chapters to her in one sitting, which is rare.