Synopsis:When Jody’s Granda visits her in the Spring he brings a packet of runner bean seeds. By the Autumn Jody has learnt a lot about growing beans and might be ready to share this understanding with her new baby brother.

Review: Jody’s Beans is a text from the Walker books Reading Time Collection and as such is written to provide shared readings between an adult and child.

The written text describes a visit from Jody’s much loved Granda who helps Jody to plant and nurture some runner bean seeds. During the growth of the vegetables, Granda supports Jody either by telephone or through further visits until eventually the runner beans are eaten and enjoyed. Finally, he explains how the last and rather inedible beans provide seeds for next year’s crop. The story is simple; however, Judith Allibone’s beautiful illustrations underline the close relationship between Jody and her Granda and provide the reader with a second story which is not directly referred to within the written text. By ‘reading’ the pictures we become party to the knowledge that Jody is soon to have a baby brother or sister.

Although this is essentially a narrative, teachers might use this book alongside information texts to introduce children to the topic of growth. With this in mind the author has provided a useful index which invites the reader to ‘Look up the pages to find out about all these bean things.’ This book provides a delightful story which will engage younger readers and their older reading partners.