
A parent might reach for this book when their imaginative child is navigating a new friendship or grappling with a small fear that feels big. It's a wonderful story for kids who love to turn everyday life into a grand adventure. The book follows two best friends, Ivy and Bean, who are complete opposites but a perfect team. When they discover a ghost in their school's bathroom, they concoct a series of hilarious and creative plans to get rid of it. This story beautifully models problem-solving, teamwork, and the courage to face your fears, even if they turn out to be something silly. Perfect for early chapter book readers, its humor and celebration of a quirky, loyal friendship make it a fantastic choice.
The book deals with fear of the supernatural (ghosts). The approach is purely secular and comedic. The fear is never portrayed as life-threatening, and the resolution is rational and reassuring, showing how a scary unknown can have a simple, logical explanation. It's a hopeful and empowering take on tackling fears.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThis is for a 6 to 8-year-old who is just becoming a confident, independent reader. The ideal reader has a big imagination, enjoys stories about friendship dynamics, and loves a bit of mischief and mystery. It's particularly good for a child who might be scared of things that go bump in the night, as it provides a funny and empowering example of facing that fear and finding a logical explanation.
No preparation is needed. The book can be read cold. The scary elements are very mild and always treated with humor. A parent could be prepared to discuss how our imaginations can sometimes run away with us and make things seem scarier than they really are. A parent notices their child is fascinated by or a little scared of ghosts and monsters. Or, a parent sees their child and a best friend creating elaborate, imaginative games and wants a book that reflects and celebrates that kind of collaborative, creative friendship.
A younger reader (6-7) will love the funny situations, the idea of a ghost, and the friendship antics. An older reader (8-9) will better appreciate the witty dialogue, the distinct personalities of organized Ivy and boisterous Bean, and the clever, satisfying way the mystery is grounded in reality at the end.
Unlike many early chapter books about ghosts that are either genuinely spooky or full-on fantasy, this book's uniqueness lies in its realistic, character-driven humor. The 'ghost' is a MacGuffin. The real story is about the friendship, the creative problem-solving of two very different kids, and the funny, true-to-life depiction of second-grade social dynamics.
Second-graders and best friends Ivy and Bean are convinced a ghost is haunting the girls' bathroom at school after hearing moaning sounds. They dedicate themselves to expelling it. Their efforts escalate from pouring a potion down the drain to creating a complicated spell and finally enlisting their entire class in a chaotic, ghost-expelling dance ritual. The climax reveals the 'ghost' is just the sound of old water pipes, a discovery met with relief and a bit of sheepishness.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
