Dear Reader,

       This delightful new series is a family effort. Not a family in the blood-relative sense, but in the publishing sense.

       The author, Annie Barrows, started her publishing career as an editor at Chronicle Books. When I acquired the initial book in Nick Bantock's Griffin and Sabine trilogy, Annie became Nick's editor—the two of them working together to create what was not simply a best-selling work of fiction but one that was ground-breaking. Now, Annie and I are both mothers. And we both have daughters who are about the same age as Ivy and Bean.

       Another member of this extended family is Lisa McGuinness, the Chronicle editor (Yes, she has a daughter, too!) who suggested to Annie that she try her hand at writing for kids. Thank you, Lisa!

       Last but not least, Ivy and Bean features the charming artwork of Sophie Blackall. Chronicle published Sophie's first book, Ruby's Wish, which was awarded the Ezra Jack Keats new illustrator award (officially announcing Sophie's status as an illustrator to watch). Oh, did I mention that she has a daughter about the same age as Ivy and Bean?

       So here is a fresh new series created by a group of mothers who know what this audience is looking for. It's a series rooted in the tradition of Junie B. Jones and Ramona, shaded by Judy Moody, but with a verve all its own. Meet Ivy and Bean. We think it will be the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

Victoria Rock
Associate Publisher, Chronicle Books