Ivy and Bean Book 1 (Ivy & Bean)



Last updated Monday, February 5, 2018

Author: Annie Barrows
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Date of Publication: 2006
ISBN: 0811849031
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2018

Synopsis: 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 quick, Ivy comes to the rescue, proving that sometimes the best of friends are people never meant to like each other. Vibrant characters and lots of humor make this a charming and addictive introduction to Ivy and Bean.

Note to readers:
•  Ivy and Bean first interact on page 24, then the chapter when Bean meets Ivy starts on page 29

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you ever met someone who turned out to be different than you though he or she would be?
•  Do you have siblings (brothers or sisters)? Are you the oldest, youngest, the middle, or only child?
•  Do you like to play with lots of other kids, only a few other kids, or mostly by yourself?

Vocabulary

•  Tightwad: someone who does not like to spend money
•  Mouthed: forming words with the mouth without actually making a sound
•  Cul-de-sac: a street that is closed at the end
•  Goony: silly
•  Orphanage: a large building that houses children without parents

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What did Bean think that Ivy would be like before they met? What was Ivy really like?
•  Have you ever played a prank on someone in your family? Has anyone ever played a prank on you?
•  Have you ever had a friend who was very different from you in some way? How were they different from you? How were they similar to you?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a Valentine Card for your best friend, teacher, or someone you love.
•  Draw a picture of a friend and yourself. Show how you are different and how you are similar.
•  Make Ivy and Bean paper dolls chain
•  Draw a map of your own neighborhood
•  Check our February craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/february-2018-good-friends-craft-ideas/3rd-grade/

Special activities:
•  Play Two Truths and a Lie: each participant tells three details about themselves, but only two of those statements are true. the other participants need to guess which two statements are true and which is the lie.

*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!