The Jellybeans and the Big Camp Kickoff

January 3, 2011
In the third adventure starring the Jellybeans, so named because they are "all different but along great," they head to Camp Pook-A-Wow, where Emily happily takes dance classes, Bitsy makes macaroni necklaces, and Anna contentedly reads under a tree. But Nicole, who lives and breathes soccer, is dismayed that there isn't a team, and though she tries other sports, nothing suits her. In classic Jellybean fashion, the girls start their own soccer team, then celebrate Nicole's winning goal by wolfing down jellybeans. Though it's a simple story, readers who value their close friendships should appreciate how the girls encourage one another to succeed. Ages 3–7.

February 1, 2011

Those colorful Jellybeans bring their pep and playfulness to the great outdoors (The Jellybeans and the Big Book Bonanza, 2010, etc.). Emily (a dog) loves to dance, Anna (a rabbit) loves to read, Bitsy (a pig) loves arts and crafts and Nicole (a cat) loves soccer. Nicole, in fact, is something of a fanatic, even balancing the ball on one paw as she sleeps. The perfect place for all four girls to indulge in their passions, as well as learn about some new ones, is at Camp Pook-A-Wow. Most of the girls find their favorite pastimes there, and there's also swimming and hiking and toasting marshmallows together around a campfire. But Nicole is disappointed that soccer is not among the activities offered; she tries tennis, gymnastics and kayaking, but none of these sports goes very well for her. Thank goodness for friends and for camp counselor Mrs. Jangley-Cheezer (a tall wolf in a bright yellow uniform), who helps organize a soccer team. All the Jellybeans work together to make it a success. "Hooray for us!" The tale unfolds with warmth and reassuring humor, and Numeroff and Evans include all the relevant camp activities, making this latest Jellybeans adventure a good primer for young would-be campers. Munsinger's watercolor illustrations are bright and suggest vigor and happiness, like the Jellybeans themselves. (Picture book. 3-6)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

May 1, 2011

K-Gr 2-The four animal friends introduced in The Jellybeans and the Big Dance (2008) and The Jellybeans and the Big Book Bonanza (2010, both Abrams) set off for Camp Pook-A-Wow. Once there, Emily enjoys a dance class, Bitsy makes crafts, and Anna reads books about nature. However, Nicole loves soccer, and even though there are plenty of sports at the camp, her favorite is not one of them. She tries various alternatives but does not like them. She is sad until her friends suggest that they start a team. The simple, direct plot allows children to become involved as the characters solve the problem. Nicole teaches the girls soccer skills, Anna reads the rule book, Bitsy makes the uniforms, and Emily plays goalie and leaps like a dancer. Then they schedule a game with a neighboring camp. The cartoon artwork captures the mood of the story as the youngsters support one another. The soft, watercolor illustrations reinforce their delightful antics as they enjoy their camp experience.-Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.