Ivy and Bean

Annie Barrows is the author of the chapter book for young readers, Ivy and Bean (2006). The book is often stylized at Ivy + Bean, and it’s part of a series that chronicles the adventures of the two titular idiosyncratic seven-year-olds. There are 12 books in the series, and the first installment details how Bean and Ivy go from dismissing each other to forming a close friendship. The book addresses themes like Judging a Person Versus Knowing Them, The Drama of Preparation, and The Benefits of Cooperation. All of the books feature illustrations by Sophie Blackall, and Netflix has turned some of the titles into hour-long movies. Barrows has published many other books and series for young readers, including the Iggy series, though the books in the Ivy and Bean series remain her most popular.

The page numbers refer to the 2007 Chronicle Books paperback edition.

Plot Summary

Bernice Blue (Bean) is a seven-year-old girl who lives on a cul-de-sac called Pancake Court in an unnamed town. Another seven-year-old girl, Ivy, just moved into another house on Pancake Court. Bean’s mother thinks Ivy is a “nice girl,” and encourages Bean to play with her, but Bean thinks Ivy looks boring.