In the first book of the Ivy and Bean series, we meet seven year old Bean — a girl with a lot of friends.  She doesn’t need a new friend, particularly the nice girl, Ivy, from across the street, because “nice, Bean knew, is another word for boring.”  Ivy wears a headband.  Bean definitely does not.  When Bean’s plans to play a prank on her older sister go south, Ivy steps in to help.  Ivy surprises Bean.  “Ivy looked like a wimp, but she didn’t talk like one.”  So begins Ivy and Bean’s friendship.  It’s a great book that shows that people can surprise you and friendship can come from any corner.  I just loved this book and can see why this series so popular in my library.  It’s cute without being “too cute”.

Ivy and Bean is a wonderful early chapter series perfect for 2nd and 3rd grade.  There are now 10 books in the series.