Module 7 - Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record

Barrows, A. (2007). Ivy and Bean break the fossil record. San Fransico: Chronicle Books.


Summary
Their 2^nd grade teacher introduces Ivy, Bean and their classmates to “The Amazing Book of World Records.”  The class including Ivy and Bean gets crazed to break a record.  Ivy and Bean try different ways to break different records, including breaking glass, placing spoons on their faces and straws in their mouths.  The girls are on a quest to break a record when they start digging in the backyard.  One after another the girls dig up bones, which they are sure, are dinosaur bones.  They believe they will be the youngest paleontologists in the world and can't wait to show their friends.




My Impression

This is a cute book for young elementary school students.  Ivy and Bean are as innocent as they come and strong-willed enough to try to beat any record they can.  The characters are very believable and children of similar age will be able to identify with them and their goals, their relationships, and their wanting to show off to their classmates.

Review

When Bean’s teacher introduces The Amazing Book of World Records, everyone in the second grade vows to set new records. Bean tried stuffing her mouth full of straws, speed washing dishes, and screaming (with predictably disastrous results); finally, Ivy involves her friend in digging for dinosaur bones so they can become the world’s youngest paleontologists. Barrows’ dynamic duo is as appealing here as in the first two books, and emergent readers will identify with their outrageous antics. Also intriguing are Bean’s sister, Nancy (who never misses an opportunity to put down her sibiling), and her ever-supportive dad, whose banana bread fixes almost any problem.  

Weisman, K. (2007, July 1). [Review of Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record]. Booklist, 75(11), 58.

Suggested Library Use
This would be a book to use to create a book talk for 1st and 2nd graders who are just beginning to get into chapter books.  There are more in the series which would help build the confidence of these new chpater book readers.