Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly what early chapter books should be: funny, relatable, and celebrating the kind of imaginative play that kids naturally do when adults get out of the way.

Ivy and Bean aren't perfect—they get into minor scrapes and their plans don't always work out—but that's the point. They're figuring out friendship, creativity, and problem-solving in a way that feels real to 6-year-olds. The whole 'let's make our own camp with our own rules' premise is catnip for kids who are starting to want independence but still need the safety of low-stakes adventures.

The series has a massive following for good reason: it's accessible without being condescending, illustrated enough to support emerging readers, and genuinely funny. Common Sense Media's endorsement for encouraging independent play is spot-on—this is the literary equivalent of sending your kids outside with a cardboard box and seeing what they create.

No safety concerns, strong friendship modeling, and the kind of creative problem-solving that actually translates to real play. Solid choice for your early reader's bookshelf.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5-9, especially kids transitioning from picture books to chapter books. The illustrations, short chapters, and kid-sized problems make it accessible for young readers, but the humor and friendship dynamics keep it engaging through early elementary. Not much appeal beyond age 9-10 unless reading to a younger sibling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Two best friends creating their own summer camp with creativity and independence models healthy friendship and cooperative play. The series is known for showing realistic kid dynamics without meanness—Ivy and Bean get into minor mischief but always with good intentions. Common Sense Media specifically highlights this as a great resource for parents who want to encourage unstructured, independent play.

Imaginative

92

The entire premise is kids inventing their own camp with their own rules—pure imaginative play brought to life. They reimagine Crafts, Music, and First Aid on their own terms, which is exactly the kind of 'what if we made our own world' thinking that sparks creativity in young readers. The series consistently celebrates kids making up games, solving problems unconventionally, and thinking outside the box.

Safe

98

This is a chapter book for early readers with zero content concerns. No violence, no scary elements, no mature themes. The 'problems' are minor kid stuff (like being excluded from an older sibling's camp). Books are inherently safe media, and this one has no edge whatsoever—it's pure wholesome friendship adventures.

Enriching

82

Strong on social-emotional learning—friendship skills, creative problem-solving, and independence. The book encourages kids to think for themselves and create their own fun rather than passively consuming entertainment. It's a solid bridge book for early chapter book readers (building reading stamina and confidence), though it's not tackling deep themes or teaching specific academic skills. One reviewer noted problems are 'very minor,' which is age-appropriate but means less complexity for growth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Models the kind of creative, unstructured play that kids need more of—making up games, solving problems their own way, and not waiting for adults to organize everything
Perfect bridge to chapter books: short, illustrated, funny, and with problems that feel real to 6-8 year olds without being scary or heavy
Ivy and Bean's friendship is genuinely sweet—they're different personalities who complement each other without the mean-girl dynamics that creep into some early reader series
The whole series has sold 8+ million copies and spawned a Netflix adaptation, so your kid will have plenty of company loving these characters
Common Sense Media specifically calls this out as a 'great sourcebook' for parents wanting to encourage independent play

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What to Watch For

Some parents compare it to Junie B. Jones for occasionally modeling behavior you might not love (minor mischief, kid logic that doesn't always pan out), but it's mild and makes for good teaching moments
The problems are pretty low-stakes—one reviewer said it's 'more meant for younger kids' because conflicts are minor. That's perfect for ages 5-7 but might feel too simple for advanced 9-year-olds
If your kid is sensitive about sibling dynamics or being left out, the setup (Bean's older sister going to a camp she can't attend) might sting, though they quickly solve it by making their own fun

Conversation Starters

"If you could make your own camp like Ivy and Bean, what would you call it and what activities would you have?"
"Bean feels left out when her sister goes to camp without her. Have you ever felt left out? What did you do about it?"
"Ivy and Bean make up their own rules for their camp. What's one rule you wish we could change at home or school?"
"The girls turn regular camp activities (like First Aid and Crafts) into something totally different. What's something boring that you could make more fun?"

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Ivy and Bean Make the Rules