Books We Love: “Ivy + Bean Make the Rules”

It here, fans: the First Annual International Ivy + Bean Day (That’s October 13th to you and me). After weeks of anticipation, the Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration culminates with the release of book nine in the popular series, Ivy + Bean Make the Rules. And it was worth the wait.


I think young readers will love this installment and Ivy and Bean fans will find their favorite gals coming up with a scheme that pushes the envelope, even for them. Bean is miffed that she’s not old enough to accompany sister Nancy to Girl Power 4-Ever Camp. And she wouldn’t be caught dead at Puppet Fun camp. So Ivy and Bean decide to found their own camp. Fans will agree that only Ivy and Bean could have come up with the name Camp Flaming Arrow. In no time, Camp Flaming Arrow is the fun, happening place to be, leaving Girl Power camp in the dust. This is my favorite installment of the series and I think you and your daughter will love it, too.

Author Annie Barrows, when asked if she is more like Ivy or Bean, said, “Who can tell what he or she is like? Not me. I think of myself as soft-spoken and gentle, but whenever I mention this to other people, they laugh.” Her favorite book when she was seven was Ellen and the Gang by Frieda Friedman and Bennett Cerf’s Book of Laughs.

So what’s the best way to celebrate Ivy + Bean Day? I suggest doing something—anything—unconventional. If you normally zig, this is the day to zag. Challenge an assumption or two. Bust a stereotype. Surprise yourself. In short, live like you make the rules.