The Jellybeans and the Big Dance
The Jellybeans Series
What’s inside...
Friendship comes in many flavors in the launch of a charming new series by Laura Numeroff, Nate Evans, and Lynn Munsinger. Just as jellybeans are different colors and flavors, each character in this heartwarming friendship story has a personality and pizzazz that young readers will love. Emily loves to dance and can’t wait to meet the other girls in her class, who are sure to be just like her. But instead she meets Nicole, a tomboy who would rather be playing soccer; Bitsy, who loves arts and crafts; and Anna, a shy bookworm who has no interest at all in dancing. Realizing that they have to work together to make their dance recital a success, the girls learn to love each other’s differences and strengths as they band together and name their group the Jellybeans! The latest picture book by beloved bestselling authors Laura Numeroff and Nate Evans is as sweet as sugar and features four adorable characters that all children will relate to. With joyful illustrations by Lynn Munsinger that dance off the page, The Jellybeans and the Big Dance will inspire readers to dance, prance, and boogie-woogie to the beat of their own drum.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the jellybeans use their different talents to help put on the big dance?
What emotions did you feel when the characters faced challenges? How did they overcome them?
Which jellybean character do you relate to the most and why?
How do you think working as a team helped the jellybeans succeed?
What would you do if you were organizing a big event like the dance?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your favorite part of the story and asking your child about theirs.
Encourage your child to express their opinions about the characters' decisions and actions, fostering critical thinking.
Relate the story to your child's personal experiences, such as times they have worked with others to achieve a goal.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or sequels to the story to encourage creative thinking.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights to boost their confidence and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Jellybeans and the Big Dance', the group of friends work together to prepare for a dance recital, showcasing how collaboration leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by participating in team activities at school or in sports, learning how to cooperate and value each other's strengths.
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: Each character in the book has unique talents and passions, highlighting that differences enrich a group's dynamics.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate their own unique traits and those of others around them, promoting self-confidence and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: The characters face and overcome various challenges while preparing for their performance, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist and not give up when facing their own challenges, whether it's completing a difficult homework assignment or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: The joy of shared experiences
Explanation: The friends share the joy of accomplishing something together, which strengthens their bond.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of shared experiences in building friendships and creating memorable, happy moments.