Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Humorous, Playful, Lighthearted
- Read it if
- You enjoy humorous, lighthearted stories about friendship and childhood antics.
- Skip it if
- You prefer complex plots or stories for older readers.
Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Babysitter Dilemma
The story starts with Bean's parents announcing they are going out and Nancy, Bean's older sister, will babysit. Bean immediately groans, seeing Nancy as bossy and unfair. She complains to her best friend, Ivy, about Nancy's poor babysitting. Ivy, a creative thinker, suggests they could prove to Bean's parents that Nancy is 'the worst babysitter in the world.' Their goal is to make Nancy look so bad she'll never babysit them again. The girls brainstorm ways to do this, driven by their shared dislike for Nancy's authority.
The 'Worst Babysitter' Plan
Ivy and Bean meet in Bean's backyard to finalize their plan. Their strategy involves several steps to make Nancy's evening miserable and her babysitting look bad. The first part involves making a huge mess, specifically creating a 'slime monster' in the living room. Next, they plan to be very loud and disobedient, refusing to go to bed. Their ultimate goal is to annoy Nancy until she gives up and calls their parents, or at least looks completely overwhelmed when the parents return. They are confident they can carry out this plan.
Slime Monster Creation
As soon as Bean's parents leave, Ivy and Bean act fast. They gather household items: flour, water, soap, and glitter from Ivy's art supplies. They mix everything in a large bowl on the living room floor, quickly making a sticky, gooey, expanding 'slime monster.' The process is very messy, with flour on the carpet and goo splattering on furniture. They enjoy the chaos, knowing Nancy will be angry when she sees their 'creation.' The living room quickly becomes a disaster, just as they planned.
Nancy's Initial Reaction
Nancy, at first unaware, comes downstairs to check on the girls and sees the flour-covered, goo-splattered living room and two happy children. She is shocked. Instead of yelling or calling their parents, Nancy takes a deep breath and tries to take control. She tells them to stop and starts to look at the damage. Ivy and Bean are surprised by her calm (though clearly annoyed) reaction, as they expected a bigger outburst. This unexpected response from Nancy slightly disrupts their plan.
The Clean-Up Challenge
To the girls' surprise, Nancy doesn't just clean up the mess herself; she makes Ivy and Bean help. She gives them rags and a spray bottle and tells them to start wiping up the slime. This was not part of their plan. They grumble, but Nancy is firm. They find themselves scrubbing the floor and furniture, which is much less fun than making the mess. The cleaning is slow and boring, and the girls realize their 'slime monster' plan has somewhat backfired, as they are now the ones doing the work.
The Noise Campaign
After cleaning up, Ivy and Bean move to the next part of their plan: being loud and refusing to go to bed. They jump on the couch, sing loudly, and play noisy games. Nancy, however, remains calm. Instead of yelling, she simply tells them that if they make too much noise, they'll go to bed early. When they continue, she calmly leads them to their rooms, offering them a choice of storybooks. Her calm manner and unexpected actions make it hard for the girls to provoke her into a meltdown, to their frustration.
The Storytime Twist
Nancy starts reading a story to Ivy and Bean. To their surprise, she doesn't choose a boring book. Instead, she picks an exciting adventure story with dragons and knights. She reads with enthusiasm, using different voices for the characters. Ivy and Bean, despite themselves, become absorbed in the story. They forget their mission to annoy Nancy and are truly entertained. This unexpected turn completely derails their plan to be disobedient, as they are now captivated by Nancy's storytelling.
The Snack Attack
After storytime, Nancy offers Ivy and Bean a special snack: ice cream sundaes with sprinkles and chocolate syrup. This is another unexpected treat, as their parents usually limit sweets. The girls, still a bit cautious but unable to resist, eagerly accept. As they eat their sundaes, they relax and even chat casually with Nancy. The delicious snack, combined with the engaging story, makes them momentarily forget their goal of proving Nancy is a terrible babysitter. They are having fun, which is the opposite of what they intended.
A Change of Heart (and Plan)
As the evening goes on, Ivy and Bean find themselves having a surprisingly good time with Nancy. She lets them stay up a little later than usual, plays a fun board game with them, and even helps Ivy with a magic trick she's learning. They realize that Nancy is not being 'the worst babysitter in the world' at all; in fact, she's quite fun. Their initial dislike starts to fade, replaced by enjoyment. They begin to wonder if their plan to get rid of her was a mistake.
Parents' Return and the Aftermath
Bean's parents finally return home. Ivy and Bean now face a problem. They had planned to tell their parents how terrible Nancy was, but the evening turned out to be fun. They hesitate, looking at Nancy, who gives them a small, knowing smile. When asked how the babysitting went, Bean, after a moment, simply says, 'It was fine.' Ivy nods. They realize that while Nancy wasn't 'the worst,' she also wasn't perfect, and they decide to keep their true feelings about the fun evening a secret, keeping their reputation as mischievous kids.
A New Perspective
After their parents have gone to bed and Ivy has left, Bean thinks about the evening. She realizes that Nancy, despite her initial bossiness, had been a good babysitter. She hadn't yelled, she had been fair, and she had even made the evening fun. Bean understands that her idea of Nancy as 'the worst' might have been exaggerated. She and Ivy had set out to prove a point, but Nancy had, without trying, proven them wrong by simply being a good and engaging babysitter. The experience gives Bean a new view of her older sister.
Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter Characters
Ivy
Protagonist
The imaginative and strategic best friend.
Ivy is a quiet, thoughtful, and highly imaginative girl who loves to read and learn about magic. She is often the brains behind the duo's schemes, coming up with creative and elaborate plans. Ivy is fiercely loyal to Bean and enjoys their adventures together, often taking the lead in brainstorming mischievous ideas. She is a deep thinker but also quick to action when convinced of a plan's merit, especially if it involves a bit of chaos or challenge.
Relationships: Bean (Best friend and co-conspirator); Nancy (Target of their babysitter-sabotage plan)
Bean
Protagonist
The energetic and mischievous best friend.
Bean is energetic, impulsive, and prone to complaining, especially about her older sister, Nancy. She is often the one to initiate the desire for mischief, driven by a strong dislike for rules and authority, particularly when it comes from Nancy. Bean is easily excited by Ivy's grand ideas and is quick to jump into action, sometimes without fully thinking through the consequences. She is boisterous and expressive, providing much of the comedic energy in their adventures.
Relationships: Ivy (Best friend and co-conspirator); Nancy (Older sister and target of their plan); Bean's Parents (Parents who employ Nancy as a babysitter)
Nancy
Supporting
Bean's older sister and the babysitter.
Nancy is Bean's older sister and the primary target of Ivy and Bean's scheme. Initially portrayed as bossy and annoying from Bean's perspective, Nancy proves to be surprisingly competent and resourceful as a babysitter. She maintains a calm demeanor in the face of the girls' mischief, often turning their attempts at sabotage into unexpected learning experiences or even fun activities. She is firm but fair, and demonstrates a cleverness in handling her younger sister and Ivy.
Relationships: Bean (Younger sister); Ivy (Friend of her younger sister); Bean's Parents (Her parents, who trust her to babysit)
Bean's Parents
Mentioned
The parents who hire Nancy to babysit.
Bean's parents are briefly seen at the beginning and end of the story. They trust Nancy to babysit their daughters, highlighting their perception of Nancy as responsible. They are the catalyst for the entire plot by announcing Nancy's babysitting role. Their presence is primarily to set up the premise and to return at the end, providing the girls with an opportunity to report on Nancy's performance.
Relationships: Bean (Daughter); Nancy (Daughter and trusted babysitter)
Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter Themes
Perception vs. Reality
The main theme is how Ivy and Bean's first idea of Nancy as a 'terrible babysitter' changes because of what she actually does. They start the evening sure she will be awful, but Nancy's calm and engaging way, from making them clean the slime to reading a good story and offering sundaes, proves their ideas wrong. This theme is clear when the girls find themselves enjoying the evening, despite trying to ruin it, which makes them rethink Nancy. This theme reaches its peak when Bean struggles to tell her parents Nancy was 'the worst.'
“Nancy was not being the worst babysitter in the world. She was being… fun.”
Mischief and Consequences
Ivy and Bean enjoy causing trouble, especially with the 'slime monster,' to reach their goal. However, they quickly learn that mischief can have unexpected results, as Nancy makes them clean up their own mess. This goes against their expectation of just causing trouble and having Nancy deal with it. The theme shows that actions have reactions, and sometimes the 'fun' of mischief can lead to tedious work or unexpected outcomes that challenge their original plan. Their attempt to make Nancy miserable actually leads to them having a better time than they expected.
“This was not what they had planned. Cleaning up was not nearly as fun as making the mess.”
Sibling Dynamics
The story looks at the typical relationship between younger and older siblings, marked by initial dislike, perceived unfairness, and eventual, if reluctant, respect. Bean's constant complaints about Nancy's bossiness are typical of this dynamic. But during the evening, Nancy shows maturity and a caring side that slowly lessens Bean's resentment. By the end, while Bean doesn't openly praise Nancy, there is an unspoken understanding and a shift in her view, suggesting a more complex sibling bond than first shown.
“Nancy always acted like she was the boss of everything, just because she was older.”
The Power of Storytelling and Play
Nancy manages Ivy and Bean well not through strict rules, but by engaging them with stories and play. Her choice of an exciting adventure story completely captures the girls, making them forget their mischievous goals. Later, playing a board game and helping Ivy with a magic trick further strengthens their enjoyment. This theme shows how creative engagement and interactive play can be much more effective in managing children (and winning them over) than just authority or punishment, highlighting the positive effect of shared imaginative experiences.
“Even Bean leaned forward, listening. The dragon was coming! This was a really good story.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The 'Slime Monster'
A physical manifestation of the girls' mischievous plan.
The 'slime monster' serves as the initial centerpiece of Ivy and Bean's plan to sabotage Nancy's babysitting. It is a tangible and highly visible act of rebellion designed to create chaos and prove Nancy's incompetence. However, its function as a plot device quickly shifts when Nancy forces the girls to clean it up, turning their intended act of mischief into an unexpected chore. This subverts the girls' expectations and introduces the theme of consequences, directly influencing the story's direction and Nancy's effective handling of the situation.
The Babysitter's Checklist
An unspoken list of expectations for a 'bad' babysitter.
While not explicitly stated, Ivy and Bean operate with an internal 'checklist' of what makes a babysitter 'the worst' – being strict, boring, easily flustered, and unable to control them. This unspoken device drives their actions and expectations for Nancy's behavior. Nancy, however, systematically defies each item on their mental list through her calm demeanor, engaging activities, and unexpected treats. This contrast between the girls' expectations and Nancy's actual performance highlights the theme of perception versus reality, driving the narrative's central conflict and resolution.
Dramatic Irony
The audience knows the girls' plan, but Nancy initially does not.
Dramatic irony is employed throughout the story, particularly in the early stages. The reader is privy to Ivy and Bean's elaborate plan to make Nancy look bad, while Nancy herself is initially unaware of their malicious intent. This creates humor and suspense as the reader anticipates Nancy's reactions to the girls' schemes. As the story progresses, Nancy's clever responses to their mischief often make her seem one step ahead, adding another layer of irony as the girls' plans backfire in amusing ways, ultimately leading to their change of heart.
Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter Quotes
“Bean stomped her foot. 'Ivy, if you don't come up with a good idea right now, I'm going to turn you into a frog!'”
“We need to take care of her,' Ivy said. 'She's our responsibility.”
“Babysitters are like giant babies,' Bean explained. 'They need to be fed and entertained and kept from harm.”
“Ivy had a feeling that this was going to be a very interesting afternoon.”
“She's not getting enough fresh air,' Ivy declared. 'We need to take her outside.”
“Bean grabbed a handful of grass. 'Here, Nancy. Eat your vegetables.'”
“We should make her a fort,' Ivy said. 'Babies love forts.”
“The fort was a masterpiece of blankets, pillows, and wobbly chairs.”
“She needs a story,' Bean whispered. 'A very exciting one.”
“Nancy just smiled. She was a very good baby, even if she was big.”
“'Maybe she's not a baby anymore,' Ivy said, a little sadly.”
“'She's just... Nancy,' Bean concluded.”
“And that was a much better thing to be than a giant baby.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Ivy and Bean's main goal regarding Bean's big sister, Nancy, in this book?
- To help Nancy become a better babysitter.
- To prove Nancy is the world's worst babysitter.
- To convince their parents to let Nancy babysit more often.
- To teach Nancy how to play their favorite games.
Show answer
B. To prove Nancy is the world's worst babysitter. The core plot revolves around Ivy and Bean's scheme to demonstrate that Nancy is an incompetent babysitter.
Question 2
What kind of 'magic' does Ivy often claim to possess or be interested in?
- Card tricks and illusions.
- Potion-making and spell-casting.
- Disappearing acts and levitation.
- Fortune-telling with a crystal ball.
Show answer
B. Potion-making and spell-casting. Ivy is consistently portrayed as the more imaginative and 'magical' of the two, often involving spells and potions in her play.
Question 3
What is the primary reason Ivy and Bean dislike Nancy babysitting them?
- Nancy always makes them do their homework.
- Nancy is boring and mostly ignores them.
- Nancy forces them to eat vegetables.
- Nancy tells their parents about all their mischief.
Show answer
B. Nancy is boring and mostly ignores them. Ivy and Bean's main complaint is that Nancy is dull and preoccupied with her phone or other activities, rather than engaging with them.
Question 4
Which of these objects do Ivy and Bean NOT use as part of their plan to annoy Nancy?
- Water balloons.
- Rubber bands.
- A live frog.
- Socks.
Show answer
C. A live frog. While they use various household items for their pranks, a live frog is not mentioned as part of their specific tactics against Nancy in this book.
Question 5
What is the initial 'terrible' thing Bean suggests they do to Nancy, which Ivy then elaborates on?
- Hide all of Nancy's favorite snacks.
- Tie Nancy's shoelaces together while she's sleeping.
- Put a bunch of socks in Nancy's bed.
- Draw on Nancy's face with permanent marker.
Show answer
C. Put a bunch of socks in Nancy's bed. Bean's initial idea is to put socks in Nancy's bed, which Ivy then expands into a more elaborate plan.
Question 6
How does Nancy typically react to Ivy and Bean's attempts to get her attention or annoy her?
- She gets very angry and sends them to their rooms.
- She usually remains indifferent or mildly annoyed, often distracted by her phone.
- She laughs and tries to play along with their games.
- She immediately calls their parents to report their behavior.
Show answer
B. She usually remains indifferent or mildly annoyed, often distracted by her phone. Nancy's characteristic reaction is to be largely unfazed or minimally bothered, often because she's engrossed in her phone or other activities, which frustrates the girls.
Question 7
What item do Ivy and Bean use to create a 'swamp monster' effect in Nancy's room?
- Green slime.
- A pile of their dirty clothes.
- Mud from the backyard.
- Green construction paper cutouts.
Show answer
B. A pile of their dirty clothes. As part of their plan to make Nancy's room a mess and appear haunted, they use a pile of their dirty clothes to create a 'swamp monster'.
Question 8
What is the underlying theme about sibling relationships that is subtly explored through Ivy and Bean's interactions with Nancy?
- Older siblings are always mean and uncaring.
- Younger siblings often seek attention from older ones, even negatively, and older siblings may misunderstand or be indifferent.
- It's impossible for siblings to get along without parental intervention.
- Babysitting always leads to conflict between siblings.
Show answer
B. Younger siblings often seek attention from older ones, even negatively, and older siblings may misunderstand or be indifferent. The book highlights how younger siblings like Ivy and Bean crave interaction and attention, even if it comes through mischief, and how older siblings like Nancy can be self-absorbed or fail to engage, leading to friction.
Question 9
What specific item do Ivy and Bean hide in Nancy's bed as a surprise, building on Bean's initial idea?
- A rubber snake.
- All of their mismatched socks.
- A bowl of cold spaghetti.
- Her favorite stuffed animal.
Show answer
B. All of their mismatched socks. Expanding on Bean's suggestion, they gather 'all the socks in the house' to stuff into Nancy's bed as a major prank.
Question 10
Despite their elaborate plan to prove Nancy is the 'worst,' what is the ultimate, somewhat ironic outcome of their efforts by the end of the story?
- Nancy gets in trouble with their parents for being a bad babysitter.
- Ivy and Bean end up having a surprisingly fun time, even if their plan doesn't fully 'succeed' as intended.
- Nancy decides she never wants to babysit them again.
- Ivy and Bean are punished for their mischief.
Show answer
B. Ivy and Bean end up having a surprisingly fun time, even if their plan doesn't fully 'succeed' as intended. While their initial goal is to expose Nancy, the inherent fun and adventure in their schemes often lead to them having a good time themselves, regardless of whether Nancy is truly 'proven' the worst.
Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter FAQ
What is the main premise of 'Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter'?
In this installment, best friends Ivy and Bean decide to prove that Bean's older sister, Nancy, is the absolute worst babysitter. They hatch an elaborate plan to cause chaos and make Nancy look bad, hoping to get her fired from her babysitting duties.
Who is Nancy, and what is her role in the story?
Nancy is Bean's older sister and the primary antagonist (or victim) in Ivy and Bean's scheme. She is tasked with babysitting the two girls, and they are determined to make her job as difficult as possible, believing her to be an incompetent caregiver.
What kind of 'plan' do Ivy and Bean devise to deal with Nancy?
Ivy and Bean devise a multi-stage plan involving various pranks and mischievous acts. Their goal is to create such a mess and so much trouble that Nancy will be deemed an unfit babysitter and never be asked to watch them again.
Do Ivy and Bean succeed in their initial goal of proving Nancy is a bad babysitter?
While Ivy and Bean certainly create a lot of mischief and chaos, their plan doesn't entirely succeed in its original intent. Nancy, despite being exasperated, often manages to either outsmart them, or the situation takes an unexpected turn, leading to different outcomes than the girls intended.
What is one specific prank or trick Ivy and Bean attempt against Nancy?
One specific prank involves them pretending to be incredibly sick and helpless, making Nancy run around trying to care for them. They use exaggerated symptoms and dramatic flair to try and overwhelm her, hoping she'll give up.
Are there any subtle callbacks to previous Ivy and Bean books in this story?
While not explicitly stated, the dynamic between Ivy and Bean, and their shared love for elaborate, slightly mischievous plans, is a consistent thread throughout the series. Their unique friendship and imaginative problem-solving (or problem-creating) skills are a core element carried over.
Does Nancy ever suspect Ivy and Bean are intentionally causing trouble?
Nancy, being an older sister, is quite familiar with Bean's (and by extension, Ivy's) antics. She often suspects their intentions, though she might not always be able to prove it or fully anticipate the extent of their schemes, leading to humorous confrontations.
Is there a moment where Ivy and Bean's plan backfires on them directly?
Yes, in one instance, a part of their elaborate scheme to make Nancy's life difficult ends up causing inconvenience or a minor mishap for themselves. This often adds to the humor and shows the unpredictable nature of their plans.
How does the author use humor in the interactions between Ivy, Bean, and Nancy?
The author uses situational humor, the exaggerated reactions of Nancy, and the deadpan seriousness of Ivy and Bean as they execute their ludicrous plans. The contrast between the girls' earnest mischief and Nancy's exasperated attempts at control creates much of the comedic effect.
What does Ivy's role as the 'idea person' and Bean's as the 'action person' reveal about their individual psychologies?
Ivy's imaginative and strategic mind shows her as the planner, enjoying the intellectual challenge of devising schemes. Bean, more impulsive and physical, thrives on the immediate execution and the thrill of the prank, highlighting their complementary personalities.
How does Nancy's reaction to the girls' antics evolve throughout the story?
Nancy initially tries to assert authority and control, but as the girls' antics escalate, her reactions often shift from frustration to exasperation, and sometimes even a grudging admiration or a resigned acceptance of their mischievous nature, showing her own growth.
What underlying message does the book convey about sibling relationships, particularly between younger and older siblings?
The book subtly explores the dynamics of sibling rivalry, power struggles, and the unique blend of annoyance and grudging affection that can exist. It highlights how younger siblings might challenge authority and how older siblings learn patience and resilience.
Is there a lesson learned by Ivy and Bean, or do they remain unrepentant pranksters?
While they might not explicitly apologize or completely abandon their mischievous ways, they often gain a new perspective or a moment of understanding about the consequences of their actions, even if it's just a temporary pause before the next adventure. They are still young, after all.
Could Nancy be seen as a victim, or does she hold some agency in the narrative?
Nancy is initially presented as a victim of Ivy and Bean's antics, but she also demonstrates agency by attempting to counter their schemes, sometimes succeeding, and often showing her own resourcefulness. She isn't a passive character; she actively engages in the comedic battle.
How does the book balance the themes of mischief and friendship?
The book skillfully balances mischief with friendship by showing that Ivy and Bean's pranks are always undertaken together, strengthening their bond. Their shared adventure and mutual understanding of each other's quirks are central, even as they cause trouble.
What is the ultimate 'victory' for Ivy and Bean, if not getting Nancy fired?
Their ultimate victory often lies in the sheer fun and shared experience of their adventure, the thrill of executing their plans, and the satisfaction of outsmarting an adult, even if only temporarily. The process itself is often more rewarding than the outcome.
Does this book suggest that adults (like Nancy) should be more understanding or more firm with mischievous children?
The book doesn't offer a prescriptive answer but rather a humorous look at the dynamic. It suggests that a blend of firmness, understanding, and a good sense of humor is often necessary when dealing with imaginative and mischievous children like Ivy and Bean.
How does the setting of a typical home environment contribute to the story's charm?
The familiar setting of a home makes the girls' pranks relatable and accessible to young readers. It emphasizes that even ordinary places can become stages for extraordinary adventures and imaginative play, grounding the fantastical elements in reality.
About the author
Annie Barrows is the acclaimed author of the popular "Ivy & Bean" series, including "Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter" and "Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record." She also penned the middle-grade fantasy novel "The Magic Half." Barrows is known for her engaging storytelling and relatable characters, appealing to young readers.
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