Bean Books

Ralph and Flora are two insects who have gathered twelve beans for dinner. Against Ralph's better judgement, Flora picks a thirteenth bean, which turns out to cause a long sequence of problems. Not only are they unable to divide the beans evenly between the two of them, but there is still one bean left over when they invite over one guest, and then two guests. Inviting a third guest (for a total of five bugs) makes the problem even worse: there are three beans left over. Eventually they find a solution with six bugs, in which the guests take as much food as they need: one takes one bean, three take two beans each, and two take three beans each. We never find out who ends up eating the unlucky thirteenth bean!

This is a great story to teach early numeracy skills, and there are plenty of small collections of beans for children to count. The author has done a good job of writing a book about division, remainders and prime numbers that still works as a story.

My 3.5 year old loves this book and so do I. It has great colors and illustrations and the concept of math is integrated so well. It also ends perfectly, no awkward text or lame ending. Highly recommend.

I was reading a funny, entertaining book to my daughters, and would you believe it? By mistake, they learned something about math! The characters are funny and naive. My girls had fun predicting the problems that Ralph and Flora kept getting into, all related to the seemingly simple task of dividing up 13 beans. Very clever and very funny. Nice illustrations, too.

Barbara Kingsolver became a household name with her publication of the Oprah book club bestseller The Poisonwood Bible. Yet Kingsolver had been writing and authoring great novels long before she was discovered by Oprah. The Bean Tree is one of many works by Kingsolver that highlight her talent for dialogue, emotion, and plot. In this story, she puts a twist on the coming-of-age tale of a young girl heading out her own to find her own way.

The Bean Tree also tackles racism, classism, immigration, and love. Romantic love, yes, but also the love women feel for each other. The love of a mother for a child. The love of a woman for humanity. Kingsolver approaches these issues under the veil of an ordinary life. As her characters simply go about their day-to-day lives, they experience the profundities of existence. And as we read about her characters and their lives, we also realize how profound our own ordinary lives might also be.

Give this one a try. If you are from the South you will understand Taylor's emotions. I loved the book!

After successfully graduating high school without succumbing to pregnancy like most of her classmates, the last thing Taylor Greer wants is to raise a child. But, thanks to a chance encounter, she suddenly finds herself the foster mother of a Cherokee toddler named Turtle.

Despite Taylor's initial reluctance, her heart softens when she finds out how horribly Turtle was abused as a baby. Together, the two set off in a new life in Arizona, where they live on Taylor's minimum-wage earnings and wit.

Then Taylor meets Lou Ann, another transplanted Southerner. Having recently become a mother herself, Lou Ann's been abandoned by her husband and is now seeking a housemate to split the rent. Taylor takes her up on the offer, and discovers that family can be found in the least expected of places...

If you enjoy this book, be sure to read "Pigs in Heaven," which continues Taylor's and Turtle's story.

The first graders at The Children's School loved this book. They thought it was funny and cute. They said that it "teaches us that having fun is better than winning." If they could, they would give it one thousand stars! A good book to read if you are interested in poems.

This is a good book to use to introduce young children to chapter books. It contains nine short chapters. Good book to use when beginning a unit on poetry (teachers) or reading poetry books (parents) together. Poor George gets writer's block--something we all can relate to. Mr. and Mrs. Bean as well as Jenny and Anna have no trouble with writing--how frustrating! Family love and unity come into play. Children will be motivated to try their hand at writing their own poetry.

I worked as a school librarian for a number of years and this is my favorite Betsy Byars book of all. It is a tender, yet funny, story of how every child has talents and is worthy of love. It's a great read-aloud or independent reader -- I used it for third grade on up.

What an entertaining story! The characters were interesting and the plot took some unexpected turns. This book needs a sequel!

The characters in this book will capture your heart and the plot will keep you spell-bound! I can not wait to find out where life is going to take these marvelous characters, what new characters they are going to encounter, and what new twists are in store for them. I hope a sequel is forthcoming.

This was a wonderful book. The story is great, it's moving, emotional, and touches you in many ways. She gives us characters who we really care about and keeps the plot moving in all sorts of unexpected ways. This book cries out for a sequel; I want to know more about what happens to these marvelous characters next.

THIS IS THE QUINTESENTIAL REFERENCE FOR ALL ERECTOR COLLECTORS AS WELL AS BUILDERS. I HAVE HAD THIS BOOK FOR 2+ YEARS NOW AND CAN'T PUT IT DOWN. I CONSTANTLY USE THE EASY TO FOLLOW PROGRESSIONS TO EVALUATE A SET BEFORE I PURCHASE IT AND USE IT AFTER PURCHASING FOR ACCURATE INVENTORY OF THE PARTS WITHIN THE SETS. I WOULD NOT BE WITHOUT THIS MANUAL IF I WERE EVEN THINKING ABOUT STARTING AN ERECTOR COLLECTION. COVERS SETS FROM 1933 -1962. BILL BEAN AND AL STERNAGLE HAVE DONE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF RESEARCH BEFORE WRITING THIS MANUAL. THE PREDECESSOR TO THIS BOOK, VOLUME 1 IS JUST AS CONCISE AND I RECOMMEND THAT MANUAL AS WELL. TOGETHER, THEY COVER ERECTOR FROM THE CRADLE TO THE PROVERBIAL "GRAVE"...A++++++ IN ALL RESPECTS..G.D/AKA... "DOGWRINKLES"

After eagarly awaiting the arrival of this book, I must say that I was not dissapointed at all. The information that is provided, is complete, detailed, and easy to understand. If you are trying to date an erector set, or discover what the contents should, this book is for you.

My thanks to Bill Bean for providing a reference manual that really does what it is supposed to.

This is the best book I have found as far as Erector sets go. Very informative , full of pictures and charts to help you complete your set. It also gives values to help in your search of the parts you are missing. I can't say enough about this book . I own both Vol 1&2. I am very happy with them after about a 1 1/2 year search.

Great reading for the entire family! The illustrations and CD bring the book to life. Recommend it for young and old.

Love the cd with songs. Little songs that tell a story. Has even helped my 5 year old to start reading. Our 3 year old insists on it before bedtime. The family message is a nice reinforcement of traditions.

The story is told by a grandmother to her granddaughter (who is now a grandmother herself). It is about so many things...memories...family...seeing through imagination. Patty's grandmother is blind so she imagines the world in stories and song. I bought several copies because they make wonderful gifts for children as well as new grandparents! The cd is beautifully done by gifted actors. The songs are fun to sing. The illustrations are beautiful...I can't say enough about this book!

I'm Glad I'm Your Grandma, is rhythmically written by Bill & Kathy Horlacher and illustrated by Meredith Johnson. This is part of the Happy Day Books series, Level 1.

The front cover shows Grandma sharing treasured Bible stories with her grandchild. As you read, you will discover more colorful drawings like this, with different grandmothers and grandchildren on every page. Grandma wants to explain why being a grandparent brings her great joy. She tells of all the good times they share together like, going for walks, sending cards, giving hugs, and listening to her grandchild talk to God.

"I'm glad I'm your grandma when we take time to play and when talking to God you have plenty to say."

What I Liked: Everything. Having recently become a grandma, there is no greater joy than being with your grandchildren.

What I Disliked: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Good.

Loretta from Christian Children's Book Review

I have been reading this book to our grandchildren since our first grandchild was born - he is now 19 years of age(he was four or five when I bought the book). Our youngest is now two and a half years old. It's a fun book to read with the children and my way of letting them all know how thankful I am for each and every one. I highly recommend it to any Grandma out there.

Charming illustrations of grandchildren interacting with their grandmother in common activities such as baking cookies, a zoo trip, talking on the phone, playing a game etc. Grandmothers and children of different ethic backgrounds are portrayed which broadens the scope of the book even further. Hugs and hand holding are pictured to enhance the overall feelings of love and caring. Every child would feel extra special receiving this little gem from a loving grandmother.

I just purchased this book last weekend and have found it to be an EXCELLENT instruction manual on fly casting. I've been flyfishing for a couple of years and have been frustrated by how difficult casting with a fly rod can be. This book has simple to follow casting techniques which are backed up by excellent photos. I have found the photo layouts particularly helpful since they show side by side photos showing poor technique and effective casting technique. I found that Mr. Lord's directions improved my casting distance and accuracy (in my backyard) after only one evening spent reading this book.

Each chapter in the book ends with a detailed descriptions explaining how to troubleshoot common casting casting problems, again supported by nice explanations and photos to illustrate the points being made.

Overall, I feel this was money well spent! This book is definately going to help make flyfishing more enjoyable and hopefully more productive...

This is one of the best instruction manuals, on any subject, period. The narrative is concise and easy to understand, and their are plenty of photographs to illustrate the narratives. I can't think of any other book that will get you started. I'm a beginner myself, and I've even taken a class with an instructor. This book was even more helpful! BUY IT!

After having taken a Fly Fishing course at which Macauley was an instructor, I purchased his book on fly casting.
Macauley manages to pour his knowledge out onto these pages with as much clarity as he presents in person. With wit and ease, he presents the reader with the tools to learn fly casting, if a novice; and to greatly improve existing skills if a seasoned fly fisherman...or woman.
It'd been an honor and deep pleasure to witness his graceful, pure zen-like casting in person, and a continued joy to pour over his advice on paper.
Enjoy this book and keep it amongst your key handbooks/guides to this great lifeslyle - Fly Fishing.

A wonderful mix of view points from children on what would make for a perfect world. Both funny and touching, I was amused and amazed.

The first time I read this book, I wound up laughing so hard I cried! It is an endearing book of how children see the world. It includes several humourous answers and a few, tender thought-provokers. I recommend this book for all "kids at heart!"

I love Mr. Bendars book of what children, like i was when I wrote my entry, think would make the world better. My entry, which i made 2 yaers ago when I was 12, was something like: The world would be a better place if photosynthesis could work for people to prevend hunger. Some of the entries are serious like mine, and sone are funny. Three other people in my school have their thoughts in this book. I would recomend that everyone has a copy of this book!

I read this book to my first graders as we learn about the life cycle of the bean. The writing is definitely engaging and I can't get enough of this artist. Wish there was more out there of hers to view/read! Enjoy!
A. Lauderdale
1st Grade teacher in Santa Barbara

This is an enchanting childen's story that is so well presented any parent would be delighted to read along with their children all about these loco beans.

Lucas tells the story of a summertime visit to his grandfather's ranch. He and his grandfather share love of nature. On a trek into the mountains, Lucas learns about the Mexican Jumping Bean and how his abuelo (grandfather) collected them to play with as a boy. Lucas can hear a clicking noise coming from the bean and can see that the seed itself moves. Grandfather tells Lucas about the moth larva that inhabits the bean until it turns into a moth.

This book is written in a lively, rhyming, bilingual style, with English as the main language and English meanings given for the Spanish words used. It is an exciting story, whether your language is English or Spanish. There are four pages at the back of the book with jumping bean facts in both English and Spanish, and then a neat multiple-choice quiz on word meanings.

This book is both entertaining and educational, and in case you wish to purchase Mexican jumping beans to observe the life cycle of the little critter that lives in them, purchase information is included in the book.

Beverly J. Rowe, Reviewer for Myshelf.com