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Having had the honor of reviewing Ivy + Bean’s debut story, there was much excitement in my household when the news came through: The second book is on its way! Two grabby sets of hands and delighted squeals met its arrival. Much groaning was heard when the laws were laid down. Law number one states that the reviewer must read and write review before passing the book onto said grabby hands. Law number two passed into effect for my own sanity- that there must be no asking “are you done with it yet?”
As good as the book that introduced the precocious duo was, expectations ran high for their second adventure. Like the first book, the playful illustrations and great cover design really give it flair and personality. The tale itself is pure enjoyment to read. Paired together, it really is a work of genius, as evidenced by the audible giggles heard while Ivy + Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go was being read.
The utter seriousness with which these girls attack problems with friendships, almost blood oaths, peer teasing and, of course, ghosts, smacks of such childhood sincerity. Annie Barrows captures the intensity of being a kid, from the building of friendships to the fears each child faces. There are an awful lot of books that try to bottle the magic earmarks of childhood. Few succeed. Ivy + Bean does it perfectly.
Bean is the talker and the adventurous mischief-maker. Ivy tends to be much more proper, especially in the company of adults. Together, they’ll surprise us all. The girls keep each other in line and on track, even in the apparent crisis of an army of angry ghosts threatening to take over their school. In this second book, we learn all about spells and enemies and making mature decisions. We also learn all about very important sacred ceremonies and about plumbing woes. What could possibly be more educational - or entertaining?
The picture of the little boy sneakily tucking the class turtle into his back pack on page 44 is priceless. The facial expression and simple posturing makes it an excellent example: all the illustrations by Sophie Blackall are just magic. Little details like gnawing on lower lips, weepy eyes, big toothy grins, tongues poking out, or drooping shoulders clearly show the characters’ emotions. The illustrations are such an asset, bringing just the right feel to the story.
In The Ghost That Had to Go, each little detail of their mystery is wrapped up neatly, even one last ornery one. Smiles are enjoyed right up until the very last page. The preview of book three of the adventures of Bean and her friend, Ivy, promises more fun to be had. Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall make a great storytelling team. Grabby hands are looking forward to more!
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Ivy + Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go (Book 2)