IVY & BEAN AND THE GHOST THAT HAD TO GO

With her youthful tones, Cassandra Morris captures all the drama of Barrows's series about second-graders Ivy and Bean. The usually well-behaved Ivy sees a ghost in the girls' bathroom. Soon the whole school knows, and while some kids are interested, others are frightened into using other bathrooms--annoying the teachers and prompting Ivy and Bean to come up with a plan. Morris conveys Barrows's many insights into school life and young friendships. She does an especially good job managing the plentiful dialogue--from that of irritated teachers to excited children. Her narration delivers all the humor and drama of the girls' scheme to expel the ghost with their imaginative exorcism. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]