Bean Thirteen
2007, G. P. Putnam’s Sons
ISBN Hardcover: 0399245359
Recommend ages: 4 to 8
Also available as an audiobook from Audible.com
Ralph warns Flora not to pick that thirteenth bean. Everyone knows it’s unlucky. Now that they’re stuck with it, how can they make it disappear? If they each eat half the beans, there’s still one left over. And if they invite a friend over, they each eat four beans, but there’s still one left over! And four friends could each eat three beans, but there’s still one left over! How will they escape the curse of Bean Thirteen? (A funny story about beans, that may secretly be about . . . math!)
“The story’s pacing and the dialogue between the two bugs help children analyze the situation and follow the different possible grouping solutions. The large, limalike beans are a great visual aid and are easy to see when the book is read aloud. Done in pen and ink with digital effects, the cartoon illustrations feature bright hues and slightly off-kilter perspectives that will appeal to children. Youngsters will undoubtedly enjoy this funny tale; teachers will truly appreciate the connections it makes to their curriculum and the use of manipulatives in math.”
Want to try a fun game to go with the book? Check out Flora’s Magic Disappearing Bean. You can click through the animation on the left, or download your own copy to print out and play with.
You’ll find more Bean Thirteen activities on the Activities and Lesson Plans page.
