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Ivy + Bean

#1 of 12 in The Ivy + Bean Series

illustrations by
3.96
on Goodreads (17,348)

What’s inside...

The moment they saw each other, Bean and Ivy knew they wouldn't be friends. But when Bean plays a joke on her sister, Nancy, and has to hide quickly, Ivy comes to the rescue. This unexpected act of kindness proves that sometimes the best of friends are the people you were never meant to like. With vibrant characters and lots of humor, this charming and addictive introduction to Ivy and Bean sets the stage for their adventures, which have been adapted into a Netflix Original Film Series.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

6-8

Length

120 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think made Ivy and Bean become such good friends despite being so different?
How do Ivy and Bean solve their problems in the story? What can we learn from their methods?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend in an unexpected way, like Ivy and Bean?
What adventures would you like to go on with your friends? What makes an adventure exciting?
How do the characters in the book show kindness or understanding towards each other? Can you give an example?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with those of Ivy and Bean, fostering a deeper connection with the characters.
Focus on the evolving dynamics of Ivy and Bean’s friendship to help your child understand and appreciate diverse relationships.
Ask your child how they might handle similar situations faced by Ivy and Bean, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of accepting and celebrating differences among friends.
Celebrate your child's responses, even if they differ from the plot, reinforcing their confidence in expressing independent thoughts.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Ivy and Bean, despite their differences, form a deep friendship that revolves around adventure, acceptance, and understanding.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to form meaningful relationships with peers who may have different interests and personalities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ivy and Bean use their imagination to create their own adventures, demonstrating the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to use their creativity to solve problems and entertain themselves in innovative ways.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The characters often face the outcomes of their schemes, teaching readers about accountability and the impact of their decisions.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that their choices have effects and encourages them to think about the consequences before acting.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The duo frequently encounters challenges that they must work together to overcome, showcasing effective teamwork and problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of collaboration and thinking critically to navigate obstacles in daily life.
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Both characters have unique traits that they learn to embrace and celebrate, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself.
Real-World Application: Supports children in valuing their own strengths and qualities, boosting self-esteem and personal growth.

Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows