Ivy and Bean No News Is Good News (Book 8)



Last updated Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Author: Annie Barrows
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 0811866939
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2019

Synopsis: Ivy and Bean need some money. Ten dollars, to be exact. Never mind what for. Okay, it's for low-fat Belldeloon cheese in a special just-for-one serving size. Don't ask why. But how are Ivy and Bean going to make ten dollars? Hey, maybe they should write a newspaper about Pancake Court and sell it! Great idea! And easy, too. All they have to do is nose around the neighborhood. Wow—it's interesting what comes out when snoops start digging. It's even more interesting when the neighbors read about it in the newspaper.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  The two girls are holding newspapers, have you ever seen one in real life? Do you read them?
•  Do you guys do chores to get money? What would you do if you needed money?
•  If you could, what is one food you could eat everyday?

Vocabulary

•  cyclops: an one-eyed monster
•  pronto: as soon as possible
•  gloomy: dark, sad, quiet mood (rainy days can also be considered gloomy)
•  nudge: to push someone gently to get their attention
•  bargain: an agreement with the buyer and seller for a cheaper price

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why were so many neighbors coming to Bean's house? Were they upset?
•  Ivy and Bean secretly watched people do embarrassing things - have you ever done something embarrassing while someone was watching?
•  What would you write about if you had your own newspaper or magazine?

Craft ideas:
•  Design their own newspapers using markers, color pencils, construction paper, etc.
•  Check our February craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/february-2019-good-friends/

Special activities:
•  Act out things the neighbors were doing (ask the kids for acting, too)

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!