"Ivy and Bean"

Shannon, my 7 year old, struggles, I mean really struggles with reading. With school back in session we are on a roller coaster of emotions over reading. There has certainly been a breach of peace in our home as we battle over nightly reading homework, all complete with tantrums and tears. But I will not be discouraged, that girl is gonna be a great reader one day. I've already seen marked improvement, and that makes this momma a happy momma indeed. (If I may say so myself, and I do say so. Ha!)

So, I purchased the first book in the "Ivy and Bean" series by Annie Barrows. (Incidentally, I just read "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society" also co-written by Annie Barrows for our local book club selection this month. Loved that book by the way.) When I showed Shan her very first chapter book, she freaked out! Seriously. In her mind, she thought that she was NOT smart enough to read a "long" chapter book, but I know her better than that. With some smooth talking, I convinced her to just buck up and get 'er done. If ya know what I mean.

Tonight Shannon finished the first book. Wow. What an experience. She is so proud of herself, as she should be. Both Shannon and I love this series. It's about two 7 year old little girls who become great friends even though they are very different. It's full of mischief and adventure. It's funny too, and funny goes a long way after a bucketful of tears. (Even Erin likes it although it's for a younger reader than a 10 year old.) So if you have little girls, or perhaps boys too, and you're looking for a series to read may I recommend "Ivy and Bean." The first book of the series was published in 2006 and the latest addition, book 7, comes out in the fall of this year. It's been around for a little while, but it's new to us. Tomorrow Shannon starts book #2. Sweet!