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.

Opposites Ivy and Bean become unexpected best friends, turning neighborhood schemes and childhood disagreements into funny adventures.

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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

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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Ages 8–12
Malgudi Schooldays: The Adventures of Swami and His Friends
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Swami's school adventures, friendships and mischief open a window onto everyday South Indian life.
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Ages 6–11
Geronimo Stilton (series)
by Geronimo Stilton (created by Elisabetta Dami)
Mouse journalist Geronimo Stilton reluctantly travels into dangerous mysteries and comic adventures while trying to meet publishing deadlines.
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Ages 6–11
Dog Man
by Dav Pilkey
Dog-headed police officer Dog Man battles absurd villains while learning loyalty, kindness, and self-control.
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Ages 6–8
The Bad Guys
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A graphic novel exploring themes of redemption, friendship, teamwork, and humor. The visual format supports reluctant or visual readers and adds emotional depth through illustration, panel pacing, and visual storytelling.
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Ages 6–8
Quest
by Aaron Becker
Two friends return to a magical kingdom, searching for a mysterious king and facing new dangers.
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Narwhal and Jelly
by Ben Clanton
Cheerful Narwhal and practical Jelly explore the ocean, sharing waffles, imaginative adventures, and an unlikely friendship.
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On these book lists

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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.

Age rating and parents' guideIvy + 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.

Opposites Ivy and Bean become unexpected best friends, turning neighborhood schemes and childhood disagreements into funny adventures.

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

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

Ages 8–12

Malgudi Schooldays: The Adventures of Swami and His Friends

by R. K. Narayan

Swami's school adventures, friendships and mischief open a window onto everyday South Indian life.

Know more Get book

Ages 6–11

Geronimo Stilton (series)

by Geronimo Stilton (created by Elisabetta Dami)

Mouse journalist Geronimo Stilton reluctantly travels into dangerous mysteries and comic adventures while trying to meet publishing deadlines.

Know more Get book

Ages 6–11

Dog Man

by Dav Pilkey

Dog-headed police officer Dog Man battles absurd villains while learning loyalty, kindness, and self-control.

Know more Get book

Ages 6–8

A graphic novel exploring themes of redemption, friendship, teamwork, and humor. The visual format supports reluctant or visual readers and adds emotional depth through illustration, panel pacing, and visual storytelling.

Know more Get book

Ages 6–8

Quest

by Aaron Becker

Two friends return to a magical kingdom, searching for a mysterious king and facing new dangers.

Know more Get book

Ages 6–8

Narwhal and Jelly

by Ben Clanton

Cheerful Narwhal and practical Jelly explore the ocean, sharing waffles, imaginative adventures, and an unlikely friendship.

Know more Get book

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.