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Ivy and Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go (Book 2)

✍️ Annie Barrows, Sophie Blackall
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$13.99 $15.99 Save $2.00 (12%)
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Step into the whimsical world of Ivy and Bean, two unlikely companions whose friendship blossoms amidst the everyday and the extraordinary. Their latest adventure finds them facing a peculiar predicament: a mischievous ghost lurking within their school's very own bathroom. Through shared secrets and burgeoning camaraderie, these two spirited girls must pool their courage and imaginative prowess to devise a most unconventional method for dispelling the spectral resident, offering a delightful exploration of friendship and the unseen.

Praise for this book

“Annie Barrows accomplishes the almost impossible task of reflecting the world of second grader, creating the tension and drama of family and friendships in language that can be read easily by child who recently graduated from easy readers to early chapter books.”
— Lisa Von Drasek, Children's Librarian, Bank Street College of Education
🏛 Chronicle Books 📅 2006 📖 136 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780811849104
Fun Fact
This delightful volume offers a charming introduction to the realm of the unseen for younger readers. It excels in blending genuine friendship with a lighthearted spectral mystery, making it an excellent bridge for those beginning their journey into tales of the extraordinary. While it won't satisfy seekers of profound esoteric lore, it serves as a wonderfully imaginative and accessible primer on confronting the mysterious with heart and humor, a true gem for budding supernatural enthusiasts.

📝 Description: Ivy and Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go (Book 2)

Now that Ivy and Bean are friends, they do gymnastics club together, sit together in Ms. Aruba-Tate's second grade, and tell each other their darkest secrets. And when Ivy discovers a ghost in the school bathroom, it will take both girls' courage and imagination to make it go away. Another entertaining installment in this series about two mischievous, funny, clever girls.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
While charming in its depiction of childhood imagination, this book may not suit readers seeking deep philosophical introspection or complex plot structures. The narrative relies heavily on simple friendship dynamics and mild supernatural humor, which might feel too juvenile for older teens or adults looking for substantial literary weight. Those who prefer realistic fiction or intense horror elements will likely find the tone too light and the stakes insufficiently serious. It is best appreciated as a brief, entertaining diversion rather than a profound exploration of the occult or human condition.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Families and young readers seeking lighthearted escapism will find great joy in this whimsical tale. It offers a delightful exploration of friendship, showing how shared secrets and camaraderie can turn a mundane situation into an extraordinary adventure. Children who enjoy imaginative play and unconventional problem-solving will appreciate Ivy and Bean’s spirited approach to their peculiar predicament. The story emphasizes courage and wit without fear, making it an accessible and comforting read for those navigating early school years. It is perfect for readers who value the bond between unlikely companions and enjoy stories that blend the everyday with the unseen in a gentle, humorous manner.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5
★★★★★
For young apprentices eager to explore the fringes of the unseen, or those seeking tales of steadfast friendship and brave hearts. Ideal for nascent investigators ready for their first spectral encounter, this book offers a charming introduction to mystery and camaraderie.

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

While charming in its depiction of childhood imagination, this book may not suit readers seeking deep philosophical introspection or complex plot structures. The narrative relies heavily on simple friendship dynamics and mild supernatural humor, which might feel too juvenile for older teens or adults looking for substantial literary weight. Those who prefer realistic fiction or intense horror elements will likely find the tone too light and the stakes insufficiently serious. It is best appreciated as a brief, entertaining diversion rather than a profound exploration of the occult or human condition.

❓ Frequently asked questions

It playfully delves into a child's understanding of a spectral presence, blending lighthearted mystery with a touch of the supernatural, making it accessible and engaging for young readers.
Primarily crafted for young readers, typically ages 6-9 (grades 1-3), as an engaging introduction to chapter books and the joys of independent reading.

📖 Who should read this

For young apprentices eager to explore the fringes of the unseen, or those seeking tales of steadfast friendship and brave hearts. Ideal for nascent investigators ready for their first spectral encounter, this book offers a charming introduction to mystery and camaraderie.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Childhood Friendship's Power

This volume beautifully illustrates the potent bond between young friends. Ivy and Bean's evolving connection is central, showing how shared experiences, from gymnastics to ghost-hunting, forge an unbreakable alliance, empowering them to face challenges far beyond their individual capabilities.

Facing the Unknown

The narrative gently introduces young readers to the concept of the supernatural through the girls' discovery of a spectral entity. It explores their initial apprehension, curiosity, and ultimately, their brave decision to confront the mysterious presence head-on, demystifying the 'other' with youthful candor.

Imaginative Problem-Solving

When confronted with an ethereal visitor, Ivy and Bean don't resort to conventional solutions. Their approach to banishing the ghost is a testament to the power of childlike imagination, showcasing how inventive thinking and playful strategies can effectively resolve even the most peculiar of dilemmas.

📜 Historical context

This work, while aimed at a younger audience, engages with the venerable tradition of spectral encounters in literature. It offers a gentle, imaginative entry point into the world of the unseen, echoing narratives where human wit and courage confront ethereal presences, much like earlier folk tales and ghost stories adapted for nascent explorers of the mysterious.

📚 Glossary

Apparition
Haunting
Esoteric

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. If you encountered a friendly spirit, what would be the first question you'd ask it, and why?
  2. How can courage and imagination work together to help you solve a problem that seems impossible?
  3. Describe a time when the strength of a friendship helped you overcome a fear or a challenge you faced.

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