The Jellybeans and the Big Book Bonanza
#2 in The Jellybeans Series
What’s inside...
The Jellybeans are back—this time in the library stacks to discover the varied and wonderful world of reading. When the Jellybeans go to the library to do research for book reports on the things they enjoy, Bitsy, who loves books more than anyone, is excited to bring her friends to her favorite place. Emily, who loves to dance, finds a book on ballet, Nicole, who loves sports, finds a book on soccer, and Anna, who loves art, finds a book on famous painters. But what about Bitsy? Can she find the perfect book, too? This energizing book promotes a love of reading by proving that there is the perfect book for everyone. Just as jellybeans are all different flavors but go great together, the girls again use their different strengths and talents to work as a team and make their school Book Bonanza a success.
Discussion points
What do you think each character learned about friendship by the end of the story?
How did the characters solve their problems in the Big Book Bonanza?
Why do you think it's important for the Jellybeans to have different interests? How does that help them?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
If you were a character in the book, which activities would you choose at the library?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the book’s theme about celebrating differences between friends.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ experiences and relate them to their own life.
As each character enjoys different books, ask your child about their favorite book and what makes it special to them.
Use descriptive scenes from the book, like the library or the school, to spark imagination about the settings and ask what they would do there.
End the conversation by discussing the importance of teamwork and how the Jellybeans worked together to achieve their goals at the Big Book Bonanza.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The story demonstrates teamwork as the characters, who have different interests and personalities, come together to help each other find the perfect books.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of working together and helping each other in school projects or in sports teams to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Diversity
Explanation: Each character in the book has unique tastes and strengths, highlighting the beauty of diversity and the importance of accepting others as they are.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that everyone is unique and that they should embrace and respect the differences among their peers.
Example Lesson: Love for Reading
Explanation: The characters’ enthusiasm for books is infectious, underscoring the joy and adventures that reading can bring.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore different genres of books and develop a lifelong passion for reading.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: When the characters encounter challenges in finding the right books, they brainstorm and solve the problems together.
Real-World Application: Children learn that they can use critical thinking and creativity to overcome obstacles in their daily activities or schoolwork.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The characters keep looking for the right books despite initial difficulties, showing perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in achieving their goals, whether it’s completing a challenging homework assignment or learning a new skill.