The Jellybeans and the Big Book Bonanza

February 22, 2010
In the second Jellybeans book, Anna and her friends Emily, Nicole, and Bitsy remain, like the candies, “different flavors go well together.” When their class has a Book Bonanza, book-loving Anna is excited, but her friends' expressions suggest they would rather be doing other things. Luckily, the librarian helps each Jellybean find the perfect book. And when Anna gets stage fright reading her report to the class, her friends give her support. Though the story line feels thin, the characters sweetly express friendship dynamics in a group setting. Ages 4–8.

April 1, 2010
Gr 1-3-In this follow-up to "The Jellybeans and the Big Dance" (Abrams, 2008), the diverse young animal friends are off to the public library to start a book-report assignment, and dancer Emily, soccer-player Nicole, and artist Bitsy are none too thrilled. Anna, the soft-spoken, avid reader, encourages them to see that books are just like jellybeans, available in every flavor, for every reader. They quickly find appropriate titles, and then the librarian, who knows Anna, helps her find a special volume of fairy tales. Some librarians might find the librarian, who is a bespectacled goose, old-fashioned, and some teachers might find the assignment hackneyed. What sings, though, is the sheer joy the Jellybeans have in jumping to Anna's rescue when she tremblingly faces the class to present her report and gallivanting over to the candy store with her to celebrate afterward. The cheerful watercolor illustrations have a soft palette. Children will delight in seeing themselves in one of the endearing, fuzzy-looking Jellybean characters and be full of glee when Anna finally opens up and is able to share her love of reading with the class."Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City"

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