The Giant Jellybean Jar (Penguin Young Readers, L3)
K-Gr2–Ben and Jill love to go to Jo-Jo's Jelly Bean Shop, especially on Saturdays when the proprietor awards a jar of the candy to the child who can answer a riddle. Ben knows the answer every time, but he is too shy to speak up, even with his sibling's encouragement. Aboff skillfully describes the boy's efforts to overcome his timidity. Children will identify with Ben and cheer when he is finally successful. There are contextual clues in Billin-Frye's delightful color cartoons, which feature a multicultural cast of characters. This book holds its own with the best of Cynthia Rylant's "Henry and Mudge" titles (S & S) in terms of writing and illustration. With its drama, alliteration, and wonderful depiction of a shy child breaking through a barrier, this is a winner.–Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.