Read Ivy And Bean Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on July 6, 2026

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The Ivy and Bean series, a delightful collection of children’s books, offers a heartwarming exploration of friendship, growth, and the importance of seeing the world through different perspectives. At the heart of this series are two vastly different characters: Ivy, an introspective, quiet girl with a fondness for books and solitary activities, and Bean, a free-spirited, energetic troublemaker who prefers action and adventure. Together, they form an unlikely yet inseparable friendship that readers young and old find both relatable and inspiring. Through their story, the books highlight themes of acceptance, individuality, and the transformative power of companionship.

This series by Annie Barrows is more than just a tale of two friends-it’s a narrative that explores how people can bond despite their differences, and how growth can come from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. With a simple yet profound premise, Ivy and Bean captures the essence of childhood relationships, making it a series beloved by readers and parents alike. Whether you’re reading it for the first time or revisiting the books, the adventures of Ivy and Bean never fail to evoke a sense of warmth and joy.

List Of Ivy And Bean Books In Order

More On Ivy And Bean Books In Chronological Order

1. Ivy + Bean (2006)

This is where it all begins! Ivy is a quiet, bookish girl who loves reading and doing her own thing, while Bean is a bit of a wild child who’s always up for an adventure. When these two meet, you can imagine how that goes – they don’t exactly hit it off at first, but they end up becoming the best of friends. Through a series of fun, unexpected moments, they learn to appreciate each other’s differences and form a bond that’s absolutely unbreakable. It’s the perfect start to a friendship that’s full of surprises!

2. Ivy + Bean and the Ghost that Had to Go (2007)

In this second book, Ivy and Bean are back at it again – and this time, they’re getting into some spooky business. They’re trying to get rid of a ghost haunting their school bathroom, and of course, they get themselves into all sorts of trouble along the way. What starts as a silly mystery soon becomes a hilarious adventure that only these two could pull off. There’s laughter, there’s a little bit of fear, but it’s mostly just the kind of fun that only comes from the weirdest ideas turning into the best plans.

3. Ivy + Bean and the Most Haunted House (2008)

In this third installment, Ivy and Bean take their spooky adventures to a whole new level. This time, they’re on a mission to find the most haunted house in their neighborhood. Of course, things don’t go quite as planned. The two girls are forced to confront their own fears and insecurities while navigating through a haunted house that turns out to be a lot more than they bargained for. They make new friends, face their fears, and end up teaching everyone around them a thing or two about bravery and friendship!

4. Ivy + Bean Break the Fossil Record (2009)

This time, the girls are on a mission to break a world record. With Bean’s boundless energy and Ivy’s smarts, they set their sights on breaking the fossil record. The journey is filled with ridiculous attempts, scientific experiments, and plenty of mishaps. From collecting fossils to trying out experiments that might not be the best idea, Ivy and Bean make a hilariously wonderful pair who never give up, no matter how outrageous their goals are!

5. Ivy + Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go (2007)

In this second book, Ivy and Bean are back at it again – and this time, they’re getting into some spooky business. They’re trying to get rid of a ghost haunting their school bathroom, and of course, they get themselves into all sorts of trouble along the way. What starts as a silly mystery soon becomes a hilarious adventure that only these two could pull off. There’s laughter, there’s a little bit of fear, but it’s mostly just the kind of fun that only comes from the weirdest ideas turning into the best plans.

6. Ivy + Bean Make the Rules (2010)

Get ready for some serious rule-breaking! In *Ivy + Bean Make the Rules*, our dynamic duo is about to turn the world upside down. These girls decide they’re done with the old ways of doing things and set out to create their own rules. No more boring, predictable life! With plenty of imagination and a huge dose of mischief, they come up with the wildest, most fun plans. Of course, their new rules lead to some unexpected (and totally hilarious) consequences, but that’s what makes the ride so much fun!

7. Ivy + Bean Take the Case (2011)

Mystery-solving mode activated! In this one, Ivy and Bean are on the hunt to solve a mystery. They’re putting their detective hats on and heading into uncharted territory – and as you’d guess, things don’t go as smoothly as they expect. But the bond between Ivy and Bean only gets stronger as they work through the clues, putting their heads together to figure out who committed the ’crime’ in their neighborhood. With lots of funny twists and turns, this book is an absolute page-turner!

8. Ivy + Bean and the Wiggly Christmas (2013)

Who knew Christmas could be so wiggly? In this delightful holiday adventure, Ivy and Bean have to deal with everything from Christmas presents to family antics, and of course, it’s all a little bit chaotic. Whether it’s decorating the tree or dealing with the quirks of their family members, the girls’ Christmas is nothing like the perfect Hallmark holiday – but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Fun, festive, and full of heart, this one’s perfect for the season.

9. Ivy + Bean and the Secret Mystery (2015)

Back at it with more secrets and mysteries! In this installment, Ivy and Bean discover a secret so huge they can’t help but investigate it further. They dive headfirst into figuring out what’s really going on behind the scenes, getting tangled in all sorts of secretive situations. It’s an absolute blast watching them put their minds together and uncover the truth in their own quirky, often hilarious way.

Background On Ivy And Bean Books

The Ivy and Bean series, written by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall, was first introduced to the world in 2006. The premise is simple but engaging-two girls, Ivy and Bean, who start off as opposites but eventually develop an enduring friendship. The series began with the eponymous Ivy and Bean and has expanded to include over ten books, each one capturing a different stage of their friendship and the various escapades they encounter along the way.

Ivy, the more thoughtful and reserved character, is initially portrayed as a bit of an outcast at school. She enjoys solitary activities like reading and doing puzzles, which makes her seem different from the other children. Bean, on the other hand, is outgoing, mischievous, and always looking for new ways to cause trouble. Their initial meeting is far from harmonious-Bean, thinking that Ivy is boring and too serious, is skeptical of her. However, when the two girls find themselves thrown together by fate and a series of comedic events, their dynamic begins to shift. What starts as a somewhat forced partnership soon transforms into a strong and supportive friendship, with both girls learning from each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

The books are marked by Barrows’ warm, engaging writing style and Blackall’s charming illustrations that complement the tone of the stories. As the series progresses, we see Ivy and Bean’s friendship evolve-through school projects, imaginative adventures, and the shared experiences that bring them closer together. The books are well-suited for readers aged 6-9, though their themes are universal enough to appeal to readers of all ages.

Reading Order Explained

The Ivy and Bean books do not follow a strict chronological order that dictates the development of an overarching plot. However, they are best read in the order of publication for several reasons. Each book builds upon the foundation laid in the previous one, allowing readers to follow Ivy and Bean’s evolving friendship and the ways in which their characters grow and change.

Here is a list of the books in their publication order:

1. Ivy and Bean (2006)
2. Ivy and Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go (2007)
3. Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record (2008)
4. Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter (2009)
5. Ivy and Bean and the Mummy Mystery (2010)
6. Ivy and Bean Doomed to Dance (2011)
7. Ivy and Bean and the Friendship Experiment (2012)
8. Ivy and Bean Make the Rules (2013)
9. Ivy and Bean What’s the Big Idea? (2014)
10. Ivy and Bean Get to Work (2017)
11. Ivy and Bean No News is Good News (2021)

In addition to the main books, there are also several spinoffs and activity books that focus on specific themes or situations in the girls’ lives. These can be enjoyable for readers who want to dive deeper into Ivy and Bean’s world, but they are not required for following the main storyline.

What I Like About The Series?

There are many reasons why the Ivy and Bean books resonate with readers. One of the most endearing aspects of the series is the dynamic between the two main characters. The contrast between Ivy and Bean-one being quiet and contemplative, the other loud and daring-is what drives the series’ charm. This difference in personality, rather than being a source of conflict, is what fosters their deep connection. Their friendship shows that people with different temperaments can complement each other, and that it’s okay to be unique.

Another standout feature of the series is its exploration of how friendship can evolve over time. Initially, Ivy and Bean do not like each other, but over time, they come to understand one another and form a bond that is both deep and unshakeable. This slow development of their relationship feels genuine, with each book offering new challenges and adventures that bring the two closer together.

The writing is another highlight. Barrows’ ability to capture the tone of childhood, with all its quirks, humor, and emotional moments, makes the books a pleasure to read. The dialogue is authentic and often humorous, and the characters are drawn with such depth and warmth that readers can easily see a bit of themselves in both Ivy and Bean. The illustrations by Sophie Blackall are equally delightful, with whimsical drawings that add to the story’s charm and further immerse readers in the world of Ivy and Bean.

Moreover, the themes of the series-empathy, individuality, and teamwork-are not only relevant for young readers but also serve as a gentle reminder to adults about the importance of seeing the world through others’ eyes. The subtle moral lessons woven throughout the series are never heavy-handed, which makes them all the more effective.

Should You Read Ivy And Bean Books In Order?

While the Ivy and Bean books are relatively self-contained in terms of their individual storylines, reading them in order is still the best approach to get the most out of the series. The books are connected by the ongoing development of Ivy and Bean’s friendship and the gradual changes they undergo as they grow older. Each installment introduces new adventures, but there is a sense of continuity when reading them in order, as you get to see the characters evolve.

For example, the first book establishes their personalities and initial relationship, while subsequent books delve deeper into the dynamics of their friendship, adding new layers of complexity. If you read the books out of order, you might miss some of the subtle shifts in character development that make the series so rewarding. Moreover, certain storylines and references in later books are more meaningful when you’ve followed the characters’ journey from the beginning.

That said, if you happen to pick up a book from the middle of the series, you can still enjoy it on its own. The books are written in such a way that they are accessible to new readers at any point, but reading in order ensures a richer understanding of the characters and their relationships.