Jody's Beans: Read and Wonder - Softcover

Doyle, Malachy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 076361713X ISBN 13: 9780763617134

Publisher: Candlewick, 2002

Synopsis

A magical story will inspire you to grow your own runner beans.

When Jody’s grandfather comes to visit, he brings along a packet of seeds for them to plant. Through spring, summer, and fall, Jody watches her plants sprout, flower, and grow lots of beans. Soon, as Jody’s parents await a new baby, Grandpa and Jody are picking the beans — and waiting for next spring. Back matter includes an index.

About this title

About the Author:

Malachy Doyle grew up in Northern Ireland. He has worked in advertising and as a secondary school teacher, but he now writes full-time for children. He is the author of "The Bold Boy" and "Antonio on the Other Side of the World". Judith Allibone graduated from art college and has since earned a living from needlecraft and making soft toys.

From Kirkus Reviews:

This smart little story from Doyle, about growing a tepee of runner beans, can be extended to take in the big canvaslife itselfbut its charm resides in the focus on a singular natural event. Jody and her grandfather prepare a patch of earth for some bean seeds. He comes back for intermittent visits, but it is up to Jody to tend the beans and report back to him by phone. Granda offers a measure of advice, but doesn't pile on the directions, allowing Jody to exercise her powers of observation and gathering experience to get it right. Her attentiveness leads to great pleasure in the growth of the vines, the red flowers, the beans themselves (`` `Oh,' said Jody. `I didn't know we were going to eat them' ''). Meanwhile, Jody's mother is growing larger with pregnancy, but that subplot resides mostly in the illustrations. Come autumn, the big beans on the top of the tepee yield a surprise. The story resembles a fine reduction sauce, as Doyle's imagery and newcomer Allibone's delicate, framed watercolors yield a rich, concentrated delight. (Picture book. 3-6) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Candlewick
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 076361713X
• ISBN 13: 9780763617134
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Allibone Judith