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Cover of Ivy + Bean

Age rating and parents' guide:Ivy + Bean

by Annie Barrows

Ages 6–8

Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows is best for children aged 6–8. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.

Seven-year-old Bean is convinced she will never be friends with Ivy, the quiet girl across the street who sits on her porch reading big books. But when Bean needs a quick escape after playing a trick on her older sister, Ivy comes to the rescue with a surprisingly wild imagination. Together, the two girls cook up playful neighborhood schemes, proving that opposites often make the best partners in crime. Early readers love the humor, relatable sibling dynamics, and energetic mischief.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
None
Scary moments
None
Romance
None
Bad language
None
Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Early chapter book
  • ★Part of the Ivy + Bean series
  • ★Easy to get into from the first page
  • ★Plenty of illustrations
  • ★Emotionally light
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

  • Action & Adventure
  • Humor & Comedy
  • Friendship

Reading mood

  • Funny
  • Adventurous

Good to talk about

  • Friendship
  • Action & Adventure

Books like Ivy + Bean

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On these book lists

  • Books for 6 year olds
  • Books like Geronimo Stilton
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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Ivy + Bean for?
Ivy + Bean suits children aged 6–8. It is an early chapter book: easy to get into from the first page, plenty of illustrations.
Q: Is Ivy + Bean appropriate for a 6 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 6–8. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.
Q: Is Ivy + Bean part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the Ivy + Bean series. If your child enjoys it, the other Ivy + Bean books are the easiest next step.
Q: What should my child read after Ivy + Bean?
Try Malgudi Schooldays: The Adventures of Swami and His Friends, Geronimo Stilton (series) and Dog Man. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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