Module 7: Ivy + Bean

 Book Summary: In spite of their mother's urgings, Ivy and Bean had no plans to become friends: they were just too different. However, when bean needs help hiding from her big sister, Ivy steps in. The duo sets off on an adventure to cast a spell on Bean's sister and forges a friendship along the way.

APA Reference of Book:Barrows, A., & Blackall, S. (2006). Ivy + Bean. San Francisco, Calif.: Chronicle Books.

Impressions: This is an adorable with a charming story and quirky drawings that is perfect for young and reluctant readers. The illustrations do a nice job of aiding in the story telling so that children who might struggle with the text can look to them for clarification. I very much enjoyed reading this book and I would definitely recommend it for young girls, especially since it is a series. I would easily draw the reader in and make them want to continue reading the next book.
 
Professional Review:  Seven-year-old Bean likes stomping in puddles, climbing fences into neighbors' backyards, and playing tricks on her older sister, Nancy. She wears dresses as seldom as possible and avoids big books. Her new neighbor appears to be a quiet, orderly girl who sits on her front step day after day reading tomes. The two seem to have nothing in common, and Bean is not interested in getting to know Ivy, despite her mother's prodding to make friends with the nice girl next door. Then Bean gets into trouble, and Ivy helps her out. She discovers that Ivy is practicing to be a witch, and when they decide to cast a spell on Nancy, their friendship is sealed. 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.

Stone, E. (2006). [Review of the book Ivy and Bean, by A. Barrows and S. Blackall]. School Library Journal, 52(7), 68. Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/

Library Uses: I think this would be the perfect book to recommend for first or second graders who are not yet interested in reading. it would probably work well for a book talk at a school setting or for children who have come into the library looking for suggestions.