Review: Ivy + Bean Doomed to Dance
Best friends Ivy and Bean (Bernice Blue) were supposed to be working on homework, but decided to look at a book about ballet instead. The book made ballet look so glamorous, the girls decided they just had to take dance. When they approached their parents, they were reminded of all the activities they’d quit in the past. Their parents finally relented with the condition that the girls stick with it for four months – sixteen lessons and one recital.
Ivy and Bean were so excited to take ballet, but from the very first class, they realized they’d made a mistake. They stuck with it, though, and were horrified when they found out what roles they would have in the recital. They do everything they can think of to get out of participating in the recital.
Ivy + Bean Doomed to Dance by Annie Barrows is absolutely delightful! I loved both Ivy and Bean – they were just your typical kids. They had great imaginations and were full of excitement until it was time to work at something. They felt so real to me and I could relate to them as a former kid and as a parent. I thought some of their antics were hilarious and I loved the illustrations by Sophie Blackall as well. Ivy + Bean Doomed to Dance is the sixth book in the Ivy + Bean series, but like books in most children’s series, it stands alone just fine. I don’t think this book will appeal to boys much, but I think young girls will love it.
It sounds adorable!
Sounds like a cute book. Makes me wish I had had girls in the family too 🙂
Such a cute cover. I would have read it even though I am way past the reading age for that book but I wouldn’t even think twice before buying this book.
Glad to see you liked it. It’s a cute book for sure.
–Anna
I love the cover and like you think young girls will adore this one!
I was so jealous when I saw you won this! It looks great, and I love the art!
I really enjoyed this book as well!
This sounds so cute! Since I took dance off and on until I was in my 40s, I bet I’d like this book.
This sounds like a sweet book. I have two little girls who would love this.
My girls took ballet for several years and participated in annual recitals. Although they did enjoy them–this book sounds adorable! Thanks for your review. 🙂
I loved this book too! I agree that the girls seemed like normal girls and that it is a stand alone book (as I enjoyed it without having read any other books in the series). I also loved the references to The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler — my all time favorite book from childhood.
We’re expecting this one in the mail — Booking Daughter and I can’t wait!
Isn’t it adorable? The whole series is soooo adorable. I’m glad you enjoyed it and I really hope your little friend does too.
This looks like a cute book for girls. Definitely not one my son would be interested in though 🙂
LOL – that’s a great plot!
Ivy and Bean remind me of me and my friend Tracy. We were always hatching some crazy schemes like this when we were little. The book sounds charming and I love the cover!
Some of the children’s books out there these days look like a lot of fun. I wish I had younger children to share some of these with! Glad you liked it so much!
Always looking for great book ideas for younger girls!
Too cute! This would be a wonderful book for young girls – I can really see the appeal.
I have been wanting to read this series, not because I have daughters or neices who would like it but because I think I would like it. 😉 Have you read any of the Clementine books? Are Ivy and Bean anything like Clementine because I love that girl. (yes, I know she’s a fictional character.)