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TL;DR: Bean is a loud, wild seven-year-old who loves adventure. Ivy, her new neighbor on Pancake Court, is quiet, reads big books and is training to be a witch. Bean is sure they will never be friends, until a plan to get back at Bean's bossy older sister brings them together. Their friendship leads to many funny adventures.
Table of Contents
Ivy and Bean at a Glance
| Author | Annie Barrows |
| First published | 2006 |
| Type | Chapter book series |
| Best for | readers aged 6 to 9 who are ready for their first chapter books |
Ivy and Bean is a chapter book series by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall. The first book was published in 2006, and the series now includes more than ten books. This summary covers the first book and the series as a whole, with five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Main Characters
- Bean: A lively, mischievous seven-year-old.
- Ivy: A thoughtful girl who wants to be a witch.
- Nancy: Bean's bossy older sister.
- Bean's mom: Who keeps urging Bean to play with Ivy.
- Pancake Court: The street where the girls live.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Opposites
Bean likes running, climbing and playing tricks. Her mom keeps telling her to play with Ivy, the new girl across the street, who wears dresses and reads quietly on her porch. Bean decides Ivy must be boring.
Trouble
Bean plays a trick on her big sister, Nancy, and gets into trouble. Looking for a place to hide, she discovers that Ivy is not boring at all. Ivy's room is full of potions and spell books, and she has big plans.
A plan
Together, Ivy and Bean come up with a scheme to get back at Nancy with a “spell.” The plan does not go exactly as expected, leading to chaos in the neighborhood and a lot of laughs. By the end, the two girls are best friends.
The series
In later books, Ivy and Bean try to dig to the center of the Earth, start a ghost-hunting club, plan to break a world record, deal with a school play and face a bully. Each adventure mixes imagination with everyday problems.
Why it works
The stories are told in short chapters with Sophie Blackall's funny illustrations. The girls are different but respect each other's ideas, and their creativity always wins out over boredom.
5 Key Takeaways
- Opposites can make great friends.
- First impressions can be wrong.
- Imagination makes ordinary days exciting.
- Mistakes are part of growing up.
- Friendship means sharing ideas.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Never judge a friend by her dress.
- Two different minds make a better plan.
- Adventures can happen on your own street.
Who Should Read Ivy and Bean?
Read Ivy and Bean if you want a fun first chapter book series. It suits ages 6 to 9 and is great for newly independent readers.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Ivy and Bean:
- Why does Bean think Ivy is boring?
- What makes Ivy and Bean good friends?
- What adventure would you like to have with a friend?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Ivy and Bean is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Ivy and Bean, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. The books are funny, warm and easy to read, with just enough challenge for early readers. Parents should know that Bean is mischievous and the girls sometimes break rules, but the stories always show consequences and friendship in a gentle way.
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What to Read Next
- Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park: a funny early chapter book series
- Clementine by Sara Pennypacker: a spirited girl's adventures
- Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo: a funny early reader series
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ivy and Bean about?
Two very different girls become best friends and have funny adventures.
Who wrote Ivy and Bean?
Annie Barrows.
Who illustrated it?
Sophie Blackall.
How old are Ivy and Bean?
About seven.
Is Ivy really a witch?
She is training to be one in her imagination.
What age is it for?
About 6 to 9.
How many books are there?
More than ten.
Should you read them in order?
It helps, but each book can stand alone.
Is there a TV show or film?
Yes, film adaptations were released on Netflix in 2022.
Is it good for reluctant readers?
Yes. Short chapters and humor keep kids reading.
Who are the main characters in Ivy and Bean?
The main characters are Bean, Ivy, Nancy, Bean's mom and Pancake Court. Bean: A lively, mischievous seven-year-old. Ivy: A thoughtful girl who wants to be a witch. Nancy: Bean's bossy older sister.
Is Ivy and Bean worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers aged 6 to 9 who are ready for their first chapter books. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.