While I am a fan of every story Jory John and Pete Oswald have created, I think it is safe to say The Cool Bean is by far my favorite, and would make an excellent addition to any children’s collection. There is a wonderful blend of quirky characters (each “cool bean” even has a distinct personality), fun illustrations, and a powerful message. It tells the story from the point of view of a little bean who is decidedly un-cool – he even goes so far as to describe himself as a “has-bean.” His life is a little lonely, and he is made fun of at school. Meanwhile, the other beans from his pod are the coolest beans around. Everyone likes them, and they don’t really hang around with our protagonist anymore. What I absolutely love about the theme of this book, however, is that it isn’t simply the predictable “You don’t need to be seen as cool to be awesome” mantra. This is present, but what is striking is that at the same time the “cool beans” are starting to do nice things for the “uncool bean,” the “uncool bean” is learning that he needs to give them a chance, too. That just because those beans are popular it doesn’t mean they’re bad. He can be his own weird self and spend time both with them and alone, and no one needs to change. It’s a great message for kids, and the punny nature of the illustrations will be sure to delight adult readers, as well. All in all a fabulous book, and one deserving of “The Cream of the Crop.” 

Reviewed by Nicole Clark, Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford