I love finding clever early reader books that make me laugh and that I know my learners will enjoy!
That's why I'm so glad to share FRANK AND BEAN by Jamie Michalak and Bob Kolar today. (I believe it will be the first in the series. At least I hope it's a series!)
To start, who DOESN'T love hot dogs? (Well, I am sure there are some people who don't, but I consider them a treat and really love them! (I put mustard, ketchup, and sweet relish on mine, but after traveling to Chicago multiple times, I discovered I love their style of hot dog, too!)
P.S. Reading this book led me on a research trail of wanting to know where the concept of "frank and beans" originated and who exactly was the first person to put frankfurters in their baked beans. I still don't know the answer, but think this could be a great tie-in with the book.
And yes, - THE BOOK!
No matter where the research takes you, though, this little book is delicious! Frank (a hot dog) likes quiet and spending time writing in his notebook. (Frank, I "get" you!) When the other creatures in the forest try to connect with him, he pushes them away, preferring his routine and his established sense of order.
But then BEAN shows up -- in a noisy bus filled with musical instruments -- and yes, he "toots"-- bringing laughter, mayhem, and general joviality to Frank's world. They come together eventually to combine talents (Frank's writing, Ben's music) and the result is not only a tasty friendship but a fun song about doughnut holes!
I truly enjoyed this delightful story and as I read it, I thought of so many connections we could make in the library: friendships, cooking, writing, collaborations, and mindfulness.
This book is out now from Candlewick! Read more about it here.
I will definitely be buying this book and recommending it!
