Review by : Publishers Weekly. New York: May 15, 2006. Vol. 253,
Iss. 20; pg. 72
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This is a cute little early chapter book. It's all about Bean, a mischievous 7 year old who likes to antagonize her 11 year old sister Nancy. Bean is a typical 7 year old, albeit perhaps a bit more of a trouble-maker than most 7 year olds.

In this story, Bean's (her real name is Bernice) mother keeps trying to get her daughter to become friends with the nice new girl, Ivy, from across the street. Bean thinks Ivy seems very boring because she is always reading, and Bean is just too cool for bookworms. However, one day Bean gets into trouble with her sister Nancy, and Ivy helps her to hide. Soon Bean learns all about Ivy's desires to become a witch, and the two little imps become fast friends.

The hijinks of Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows are appropriately 2nd grade type of behavior so this book should appeal to children within that age group. Furthermore, there are plenty of adorable illustrations to keep their attention.

While I didn't love this book, I believe it is a cute early chapter book with a decent plot. I plan to read the next book in the series, Ivy and Bean and the Ghost that Had to Go. ( )

Ivy and Bean may seem like unlikely buddies, but they complement each other beautifully. Bean's mother suggests an idea that’s usually the kiss of death for a new friendship: Why doesn’t Bean play with Ivy, the new girl across the street? “She seems like such a nice girl,” says Mom. Seven-year-old Bean tells her mother she already has plenty of friends (“Nice, Bean knew, is another word for boring”).

Full review:
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What a charming book! Easy, light and humorous, it is a great recommendation for a new or reluctant reader. It also promises to hook fans with the subsequent books in the series. ( )

this book is great its qiuet quick and is very funny. ( )