  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 11/01/2019 After burrowing its way into a desert shrub’s seedpod, a caterpillar lives there even after the pod hardens and falls to the ground. Still inside, the caterpillar rolls its home, referred to here as “Not a Bean,” into the shade and occasionally makes it jump. “Siete amigos” find the Not a Bean. They draw a circle of “ocho óvalos” (eight ovals) on the ground and play a game with the jumping beans but leave them in the desert. Later, the caterpillar spins its cocoon inside the pod. Time passes until, one day, it emerges as a moth and flies away. An author’s note discusses the jumping bean moth, its life cycle, and its unique relationship with the Mexican plant producing the pods it needs. Illustrated with attractive digital art, the book demonstrates how a particular caterpillar becomes a moth, offers practice in Spanish numbers, and incorporates Spanish words (translated in the appended glossary) within an English text. While this picture book has a lot going on, it also has a lot to offer. - Copyright 2019 Booklist. School Library Journal - 11/01/2019 PreS-Gr 2—In the desert of Mexico, something special is happening inside of a yerba de la flecha plant. A caterpillar larva burrows its way into the seedpod of the shrub, where it grows by drinking the water that seeps into it. When the seedpod falls to the ground, the caterpillar is tucked inside, jumping when necessary to escape the heat of the desert or get to safety. A group of children come upon the "jumping bean" and add it to their game, hoping it will "jump" to a specific spot as they observe it. Soon, though, the bean goes still to become something entirely new. This impeccably designed book tells the story of the Mexican jumping bean. Though not a bean at all, this plant has nonetheless made a memorable name for itself through its unusual nature. Thoughtful, detailed illustrations transport readers through the Mexican desert as the caterpillar completes its journey. The text introduces Spanish words while counting from one to 10 throughout the story. VERDICT This is an excellent read-aloud for elementary school children, especially those who are looking for a gentle introduction to the Spanish language and some accompanying cultural connections. Fans of Roseanne Greenfield Thong's Green Is a Chili Pepper will appreciate the design similarities.—Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver Public Library - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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