Ivy and Bean (Annie Barrows)

Original Post: (August 30, 2012) This is the first book in the Ivy and Bean series. Ivy and Bean live on the same street. Their mothers always tell them they should play together - but they aren't that interested because they are so different from each other. They meet and have a fabulous time. This is the only book I've read in this series, but judging from this one, my guess is they have a lot of fun together, and the stories are great to read.

I decided to read this book after reading some blogs. Apparently Oct 13 is the first International Ivy and Bean day, so we might as well get ready. There are a number of bloggers writing weekly about Ivy and Bean. You can read one here, and it will take you to all sorts of other interesting book blogs. I am curious about how this came to be. Oct 13 is when the author's 9th book in this series come out. I just might have to go buy it that day to maintain/encourage some hype in my classroom!

One thing is for sure - it is a great way to get some attention for a series. I think this book is going to be the first book that I read aloud to my class. It fits well with our first unit on Friendship. I will get a bunch more from the Ivy and Bean series and hopefully they'll enjoy them!

5Sep2013 Update:

We just finished reading this in my class this year. The children in my class loved the humor in this book. When we finished, they had questions about the series. We decided to email the author:

Dear Ms. Barrows,

 

We just read Ivy and Bean in our class. Thank you for writing that book! We really loved it. We loved your book because it’s funny. Sometimes, reading funny books makes practicing reading easier. We liked Ivy and Bean because they’re just like us. Sometimes they get in trouble – and you know, so do we! We are wondering if you are planning to write more Ivy and Bean books. Do you think you might write one where Ivy and Bean are grown ups? We would be interested in that!

 

We want to read more of your books. They’re great. Keep it up!

 

Love, 3A

 

(Alyssa, Chloe, Ben, Dominic, Jai, Abdullah, Nathaniel, Excell, Jimmy, Ilma, Tanner, Trista, Kareem, Zoha, Patricia and Nelson….oh, and Mrs. Ackroyd too)

We were thrilled when we immediately got this reply:

Subject: [Auto-Reply] We Love Ivy and Bean

 

Hi Friends,

 

I am in a place with boats. I'll be back in the office on September 13.

 

Annie

Can't wait for September 13!! We are really anxious to hear her reply.