We love kidlit here on Library of Clean Reads, and today we are happy to feature a chapter book that explores the themes of friendship, survival, problem-solving and nature. I learned a few things along the way too! Read my review and then enter to win a copy and a gift card.
Book Details:
Book Title: The Adventures of Popcorn and Jellybean by Robert Gillespie
Category: Children's Fiction, 48 pages
Genre: Fantasy / Nature
Publisher: Page Publishing
Release date: July 2017
Tour dates: Jan 22 to Feb 2, 2018
Content Rating: G
Book Description:
Popcorn and Jellybean had never ventured down the path beyond the big tree. But since they never really did anything exciting, and even though it made them a little nervous at first, they decided it would be a fun adventure for a couple of days. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty, as it turned out, if the explorers were not prepared! Join them as they take on new challenges each day, learn how to survive by following the behaviors of the animals they encounter, and go where Mother Nature leads them. And who knows, maybe we could learn as well!
My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani
This is a delightful book written by a father-and-son duo, Robert Gillespie and 7-year-old Colton. It's the story of two friends who decide to go on an adventure exploring the forest near their home. While on their 5-day adventure, they learn about the forest animals and how to rely on one another when they are lost and run out of food. The two friends must use their problem-solving skills and past knowledge to survive and remain positive even when they are afraid and uncertain about which direction to take.
The author's experience as a wildlife conservation educator is evident as we learn interesting and fun facts about nature and wildlife, for example, to only eat berries that the birds eat so as to avoid the poisonous ones. Parents will have much to discuss with their children as they read this book together.
This book is about 50 pages long and is a chapter book and not a children's picture book. There are a few simple watercolor illustrations but most of the pages are full text. It's a book suitable for the 6-9 year-old age range. Seeing that this is for the younger middle-grade child, I think a few more illustrations would have been ideal and better editing could have polished the text. I had no clue what PB & J meant and had to look it up. It turns out it was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. This is the first time I see this acronym. I didn't grow up eating PB & J and neither did my kids and I'm guessing other immigrant kids in North America might not either.
The Adventures of Popcorn and Jellybean is a fun book that explores the themes of friendship, survival, problem-solving and nature. The characters of Popcorn and Jellybean are resourceful and good role models in working as a team. The story will keep the child's attention as there is never a boring moment as these two friends encounter one adventure after another.
Buy the Book:
Meet the Author:
Bob has spent more than 13 years as a wildlife conservation educator sharing information and animal encounters with audiences of all ages. He has a passion for teaching about a wide range of topics nature related and loves passing it along to his two sons. His youngest son, Colton, was the inspiration behind The Adventures of Popcorn and Jellybean, where it all started as a simple bedtime story. Bob currently resides in Carlsbad, California, and works as a professional interpreter guide at a world-renowned conservation organization.
Connect with the Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
Enter the Giveaway!
Ends Feb 10, 2018
