A Lot of Beans

Gr 1—3—Juan lives in the mountains of Spain, and for six years, he has followed the family tradition of placing a white bean in a jar if it's been a good day or a black bean for a bad one. All's well until Juan has a string of days that are real stinkers: he fails a grammar test, he stubs his toe, he gets a black eye when he's hit with a soccer ball, and more. He has a whole month of black-bean days, and even his mother's flan and his friend Guadalupe's funny songs don't cheer him up. But the doctor, don Rodrigo, has a plan that just might work. Mother, Father, friends, teachers and others arrive to celebrate Juan's birthday, which he'd forgotten in his funk. Serving Happiness Soup made with the white beans from his jar and Misery Stew from the black beans, Mother helps Juan to see that the sweetness of Happiness Soup and the saltiness of Misery Stew make a meal (and life) complete. Serra's acrylic and ink illustrations are colorful and exaggerated, yet detailed. This book offers a satisfying message and works as a subtle introduction to Juan's culture.—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA