By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 2, 2009
Ivy + Bean – Doomed to Dance (Book 6)
by Annie Barrows (Author), Sophie Blackall (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 6-10
Hardcover: 122 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 14, 2009)
What to expect: Ballet, Best friends, Friendship
Hooray! I can finally say that I have read an Ivy and Bean book. And let me tell you, I thought it was fantastic.
Ivy and Bean are deliciously-devilish girls all wrapped up in childhood innocence. They are best friends: so different, yet so alike. After they convince their parents to let them join ballet class—it takes some serious begging due to the girls history of not sticking to their hobbies—they decide that they may not have made the right choice. After many laughable attempts to ditch class, they come to the conclusion that the only thing to do is runaway. This is where the hilarious adventure begins and quirky-but-wholesome lessons are learned.
The combination of Annie Barrows’ ludicrous plot and Sophie Blackall’s charmingly-distinctive illustrations, make a wonderful and entertaining early chapter book. A great choice for kids making the plunge into the world of ‘longer books’.
An excerpt from chapter one, Ballet Or Bust:
“Bean was at Ivy’s house on the day it arrived. They were supposed to be subtracting, but they were tired of that so they ripped open the package and sat sat down side by side on Ivy’s couch to look at The Royal Book of the Ballet.” Read the whole first chapter…
Publisher’s synopsis: Finally! After begging their parents for ballet lessons, Ivy and Bean finally get what they want…well, not exactly. Much to their surprise, it turns out ballet lessons do not include karate chops and roundhouse kicks to the villain’s heart. The girls have no interest in learning how to dance gracefully, but they promised their parents they would finish the entire ballet course! When it comes time for Ivy and Bean to participate in the ocean-themed class recital, the girls must figure out a way to get out of it without breaking their promises.
Add this book to your collection: Ivy + Bean – Doomed to Dance (Book 6)
Visit the Ivy + Bean website.
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