Green Bean Books - blog

Green Bean Books Presents: Kate DiCamillo in an Evening of Hope!

1/5/2018

Exciting Family Event Coming this Spring:
An Evening of Hope with Kate DiCamillo!!!

Green Bean Books is hosting a very special event with beloved children's author
Kate DiCamillo: An Evening of Hope
on Friday, March 2nd at 7pm
at The Alberta Rose Theater
just down the street.
Two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Jaime Kim have collaborated on a stirring picture book entitled La La La: A Story of Hope. A nearly wordless story, La La La follows a lonely young girl as she journeys from one fantastical world to another, sharing her unique song in a poignant quest for friendship and connection. It's powerful and timeless message of hope will inspire and move readers of all ages.

During this event, Kate DiCamillo will talk about her inspiration behind this beautiful new book and her writing process. She will discuss the importance of connecting with each other through stories, a key point of her literacy advocacy during her years as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and a timely message to heal divisions in our country by expanding the hearts and growing the empathy of our young readers.

Tickets are $22 each and include admission for one adult and one child plus a signed copy of Kate DiCamillo's new book, La La La.

You can reserve your spot for this ticketed event at the Alberta Rose Theater website.

Lights! Camera! Action!

3/21/2017

Moving Pictures Camp!
Comic Strips to Stop-Motion Animation
Summer Camp
With Sarah Fagan
at Green Bean Books!

Create characters, make comic strips, write a short screenplay, and learn about the history of storytelling through moving pictures!

August 7-11
M-F 1-4 p.m.
Ages 7-10

$195 per child
($180 if registered by May 1)

Call 503-954-2354 to register!

We'll craft our own moving picture devices like zoetropes and flip books and create a stop-motion animation as a group that will be available online at the end of camp.

This camp includes field trips along Alberta Street, lots of books, visits from special guests, and a party on Friday to round out the week.

Call 503-954-2354 to register!

Welcome to the Winner's Circle! This Year's Winners Include Many of Our Black History Favorites!

2/1/2017

This week, we're sharing some of the latest award-winning books!

Last month, the American Library Association honored some of the best books of 2016 and here are a few!

Freedom in Congo Square
by Carole Boston Weatherford
with illustrations by R. Gregory Christie

Told in verse, this is a celebration of the human spirit to still find reasons to laugh and play, dance and make music- all the things we think are necessary for us to endure and to have hope during difficult times. The back matter includes more information about the place and a glossary.

*Caldecott Honor* *Coretta Scott King (Illustrator)*

Freedom Over Me
by Ashley Bryan

Ashley Bryan imagines the lives- and dreams- of eleven slaves who were sold like property as part of an estate sale after a plantation owner dies. Through poetry and mixed media illustrations, readers find out what these people have experienced- as well their histories and hopes for the future.

*Newbery Honor* *Coretta Scott King (Author)* *Coretta Scott King (Illustrator)*

March Book Three
by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin
with illustrations by Nate Powell

March is such an important set of books to read! Despite all the progress that has been made, there’s still a lot of work to be done. This graphic novel trilogy is the story of John Lewis who started out as young boy wanting to be a preacher and ended up being (and continues to be) a hero for human rights.

Book Three focuses on some of the darkest moments in the Civil Rights movement as the battle for “One Man, One Vote” escalates into sickening acts of evil and violence stemming from fear and hatred. But it also serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit to defy the odds, stand strong against oppression, and to march on despite the obstacles. Freedom and everything it entails is not just for a select few but for all.

*Coretta Scott King (Author)* *Printz* *Sibert* *YALSA*

February is for Book Lovers!

2/1/2017

Love Is in the Air!
Amazing authors and illustrators are coming to
Green Bean Books in February!

Kevin Henkes at the Hollywood Library
(sponsored by Green Bean Books)
Wednesday, February 8th, 6:30pm

50 Books: An Evening with Caldecott Medal Winner Kevin Henkes is a celebration of his amazing contribution to children's literature in conjunction of the release of his 50th book, Egg!

Egg is a picture book for preschoolers about four eggs, one big surprise and an unlikely friendship. With its simple text and soft color palette, it's sure to be a another classic read-aloud from the incredible talent that brought such beloved bestsellers like Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Waiting, and Kitten's First Full Moon.

The presentation will include a reading and a Q&A with Kevin Henkes. For more information about this free event at the Hollywood Library- including acquiring tickets, visit Multnomah County Library's event page.

Story Time Spectacular with Erin E. Stead and Philip C. Stead
Sunday, February 12th, 11am

Caldecott-winner Erin E. Stead will share her newest picture book, Tony, a poem by Ed Galing, at Green Bean Books on Sunday, February 12, at 11 am.

Tony is Ed Galing's poem about the bond shared between a horse and a young boy. Erin Stead manages to capture this remarkable connection with her tender illustrations.

She will be joined by her husband, Philip C. Stead, who wrote the Caldecott Award-winner A Sick Day for Amos McGee. Their many books, written together and individually, have become cherished additions to every modern child's library. It's a real treat to welcome both of them to Green Bean Books!

A Special Reading
with Kelly DiPucchio
and Christian Robinson
Thursday, February 16th, 4:30pm

From the team that brought you Gaston, bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio (Grace for President, Zombie in Love) and award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street written by Matt de la Pena, Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker written by Patricia Hruby Powell) are back with Antoinette!

Antoinette is a very special poodle who learns to follow her heart and be herself when her friend Ooh-La-La goes missing. Readers will cheer her on as they follow Antoinette on her adventure to save a friend in need!

Chicken Story Time
with Sandy Asher and Mark Fearing
Sunday, February 26th, 11am

Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to story time, of course!

We're clucking with excitement to welcome both creators- author Sandy Asher and illustrator Mark Fearing- of the clucklingly hilarious picture book Chicken Story Time.

Sandy Ascher concocts a commotion of children and chickens with her story that ultimately celebrates the power of reading. Portland's own Mark Fearing adds his manic illustrations to this crazy tale.

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.

1/14/2017

To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.- the man with a dream- we wanted to spotlight some books about him.

I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr.

The words that have captivated generations of dreamers and activists are accompanied by Kadir Nelson’s lush illustrations. The "I Have a Dream" speech is as moving and powerful now as ever before.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Doreen Rappaport

Moments in MLK Jr.'s life are paired with big words that helped shape his belief that he shared with others. Bryan Collier's beautiful collage illustrations add to the appeal of this picture book as well as insightful author and illustrator's notes and a brief timeline.

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader

The Who Was...? series continues to impress with their accessible and informative biographies. Readers will not only learn about his life, but also how much he fought against hate and injustice through love and nonviolence.

What Was the March on Washington? by Kathleen Krull

An absolutely inspiring read that's a must-have for any library.

It introduces readers to this important event in American history. Includes details about the actual program and some of the speeches that were made culminating to the most famous speech of that day.

Martin's Dream Day by Kitty Kelley

Biographer Kitty Kelley offers background information on the March on Washington with a focus on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech. What makes this unique from other picture books is that it uses Stanley Tretick's photographs of that iconic day.

And join us for a special MLK Day Community Service Blanket Project on Monday, January 16th at 2pm.

Come and help us decorate quilts to be sewn by our friends at Project Linus and then donated to comfort children in need. What a perfect way to help our community on this day of service! Free!

Holiday Standouts!

12/6/2016

Presents Through the Window by Taro Gomi

In this charming holiday tale, Santa makes his way through town leaving presents for all the animals. Instead of dropping down the chimney, he peeps through the windows to find out who he should leave his gift for. But since he only sees a part of each resident, it seems like the gifts might miss their marks. Will all of the animals be satisfied with their gifts on Christmas morning?

Stick Man by Julia Donaldson

From the author of Room on the Broom is a holiday story of family and homecoming. Stick Man leaves the family tree for a jog one morning and gets fetched and carried far away by a dog. Stick Man gets farther and farther from the family tree, until finally he meets a jolly fellow who just might be able to deliver Stick Man and his family the best Christmas gift!

Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf by Greg Wolfe

Shmelf, a new elf in Santa’s toy factory, discovers something terrible when he checks the list of kids who have been naughty and nice...some of the kids who were nice weren’t getting presents from Santa! How could this be? But Shmelf learns these kids are Jewish, and they have great holiday traditions of their own, which include eight days of gifts. Join him as he discovers the joys of Hanukkah.

Book-It Forward this Holiday Season at Green Bean Books!

11/29/2016

Award winning illustrator Christian Robinson

and author Kelly Dipucchio

are coming to King Elementary School

on February 16th!

Book-It Forward!

Buy a special signed copy of a book for a child at King Elementary School!

You will also be helping sponsor an author/illustrator visit to
King Elementary on February 16th for all 51 first graders!

You can make a difference at a school in your neighborhood!

When you give a book, you will receive a 20% off thank-you coupon for your next visit to Green Bean Books and also a tax deductible receipt from The Children’s Book Bank nonprofit charitable organization.

Please help us bring author visits and books to more kids in our community!
You can even call 503-954-2354 and purchase a book over the phone!

You're Never Too Cool for Books About School!

7/16/2016

There are so many wonderful back-to-school books!
We can't wait to share some of our new favorites!

School's First Day of School by Adam Rex, Pictures by Christian Robinson

It's not only kids who get first-day jitters as we see in School's First Day of School written by Adam Rex and illustrated by Christian Robinson.

This charming picture book introduces a freshly built school who is wondering how the students will like him! He worries about making a good first impression and not everything goes smoothly on the first day! He's a little bit mean to one of the students and then gets embarrassed when his fire alarm goes off. As the day progresses, though, he learns many exciting new things and makes amazing friends too.

Paired with Christian Robinson's vibrant and playful illustrations, Adam Rex has created a story perfect for any classroom read-aloud.

The Truth About My Unbelievable Summer . . . by Davide Cali, Illustrated by Benjamin Chaud

Everyone remembers the assignment, “What did you do over summer vacation?”

For a boy with a wild imagination, that’s the perfect question to launch him into a fantastic tale involving pirates, mummies, yetis, and dragons! But is it truth or fiction? Readers may be surprised! You're going to love The Truth About My Unbelievable Summer...written by Davide Cale and illustrated by Benjamin Chaud!

The Class by Boni Ashburn, Illustrated by Kimberly Gee

Celebrate all the ways children get ready for the first day of kindergarten in The Class written by Boni Ashburn and illustrated by Kimberly Gee. It’s a cute and chaotic romp of a rhyming book which follows twenty different kids as they prepare for their first day of school!

Ming Goes to School by Deirdre Sullivan, Illustrated by Maja Löfdahl

The beautiful watercolor art in Ming Goes to School is reason enough to pick up this lovely back-to-school book written by Deirdre Sullivan and illustrated by Maja Lofdahl. Absolutely gorgeous illustrations!

This quiet tale follows a girl through an entire school year as she soaks up the simple moments and gathers up strength to take on new challenges.

Image from Teachers Rock! by Todd Parr

And don't miss our annual
Educator Night
Wednesday, August 17th at 6:30pm!

All K-8 elementary school educators, counselors, and librarians are invited to join us for this special event in which we'll talk about the best new books to use in your classrooms, offer free posters and classroom supplies, and raffle off a few GBB gift certificates! We'll even have snacks and such!

This event is free, but registration is required.

Register now by calling 503-954-2354!

Green Bean Secret Agent Camp!

2/25/2016

Are you a super secret spy??

Then this camp is perfect for you!
It's time to dust for fingerprints! Green
Bean Books, artist Sarah Fagan, and
businesses on Alberta Street team up this
summer to offer a detective-themed half
day camp! Come brush up on your spy
skills and have some fun!

Who: Youth ages 6 - 9 (ish)
Where: Green Bean Books, with short trips on Alberta Street
When: M - F, July 18 - 22 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
(with a special party at 3:30 on Friday -- family and friends welcome!)
How Much: $180/week ($10 off for registration by May 1)
What: Art, science, and the powers of deduction unite! We'll learn to crack secret codes, make tools like periscopes, practice detective work, craft disguises, and read about great real and fictional sleuths. Daily snacks, special visitors, and a field trip round out the week.

Limited space! Call to register:
503-954-2354

Tui T. Sutherland comes to Green Bean Books!

2/19/2016

Tui T. Sutherland Visits Green Bean Books!

Calling all fans of the fantastical! We are thrilled to announce that fantasy middle reader author Tui Sutherland is making her way to Green Bean Books on March 4th at 5pm! She will be talking all about her newest book in her New York Times bestselling series, Wings of Fire!

Did you know Tui has written about 40 books for children and teens? Wow!

Tui was born the same day as Harry Potter (July 31st!) in Caracas, Venezuela and grew up a number of different places! She started out in theater, but then realized her passion for fantasy fiction writing. Most known for her New York Times bestselling series, Wings of Fire, Tui has written books for not only middle readers and teens, but also easy-to-read books and sticker books! Perhaps you have read some of her other books? She teamed up with her sister to write middle reader fantasy series, The Menagerie Trilogy. Check out her book in the Spirit Animals series, Against the Tide (book five)! Or see her writing in both popular series Warriors and Seekers (mostly Seekers) under the pseudonym Erin Hunter with three other authors! As an author, sometimes Tui goes by a different name - do you know of other books she has written under a different name?

Come meet Tui herself and listen to her talk all about her books, especially her Wings of Fire series, and answer all your fantastical questions on
Friday, March 4th at 5pm
at Green Bean Books!