Green Bean Books - blog

Neighborhood School Holiday Book Drive!

12/1/2019

This year we are teaming up with nearby Vernon K-8 School to help increase the number of high quality and diverse books in their student library!

Buy a Green Bean Book Angel at Green Bean Books this holiday season for your choice of only $6, $9 or $18 and we will turn that money into hopefully hundreds of books to enhance the Vernon School Library book selection.

It's so easy to make a difference in your own community and get more books into the hands of more kids!

This book campaign will run
from November 29 to December 31st.

Spread the word!

We're grateful for these Book Angels who've bought books for Vernon Elementary School Library so far! Come and help us get a whole new collection of diverse books for this beloved neighborhood school and let us add your picture to the slideshow!

Me...Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodall

9/17/2019

We're thrilled to partner with Oregon Children's Theatre for their amazing 2019-2020 season to bring children’s books to life on stage.

We'll periodically have special story times with cast members of current shows. We'll also be recommending perfect book companions with each show's big ideas. These recommended books will be 20% off at Green Bean Books while each show is running!

First up is Me... Jane, a musical about Jane Goodall. Join "Jane's mum" for a story time and song on Tuesday, October 8th at 11am!

About the show

Before she was an internationally renowned naturalist, conservationist, and activist, Jane Goodall was a young girl with big aspirations—and a stuffed chimpanzee named Jubilee. Journey into Jane’s vivid daydreams as she and Jubilee eat breakfast on the Sahara, feel the ground shake during the Great Migration on the Serengeti, and smell the air on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Childhood imagination leads the way in this musical portrayal of Jane’s childhood, encouraging boys and girls of all ages to pursue their ambitions in the face of adversity. It’s a magical nature adventure that the whole family will treasure!

Me...Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodall
October 19—November 17, 2019
Saturdays at 2pm & 5pm
Sundays at 11am & 2pm
Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway
Ticket prices starting at $15

For show info and to get your tickets now, click here.

Book Recommendations

Me...Jane
by Patrick McDonnell

In his characteristic heartwarming style, Patrick McDonnell tells the story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. As the young Jane observes the natural world around her with wonder, she dreams of "a life living with and helping all animals," until one day she finds that her dream has come true. With anecdotes taken directly from Jane Goodall's autobiography, McDonnell makes this very true story accessible for the very young--and young at heart.

Who Is Jane Goodall?
by Roberta Edwards
illustrated by John O'Brien

A life in the wild!

Jane Goodall, born in London, England, always loved animals and wanted to study them in their natural habitats. So at age twenty-six, off she went to Africa! Goodall's up-close observations of chimpanzees changed what we know about them and paved the way for many female scientists who came after her. Now her story comes to life in this biography with black-and-white illustrations throughout.

Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas
by Jim Ottaviani,
illustrated by Maris Wicks

Jim Ottaviani returns with an action-packed account of the three greatest primatologists of the last century: Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas. These three ground-breaking researchers were all students of the great Louis Leakey, and each made profound contributions to primatology—and to our own understanding of ourselves.

Tackling Goodall, Fossey, and Galdikas in turn, and covering the highlights of their respective careers, Primates is an accessible, entertaining, and informative look at the field of primatology and at the lives of three of the most remarkable women scientists of the twentieth century. Thanks to the charming and inviting illustrations by Maris Wicks, this is a nonfiction graphic novel with broad appeal.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
by Margot Lee Shetterly and Winifred Conkling
illustrated by Laura Freeman

Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math...really good.

They participated in some of NASA's greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America's first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world.

This illustrated picture book edition explores the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career.

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
by Rachel Ignotofsky

A charmingly illustrated and educational book, Women in Science highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world. Full of striking, singular art, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary. The trailblazing women profiled include well-known figures like primatologist Jane Goodall, as well as lesser-known pioneers such as Katherine Johnson, the African-American physicist and mathematician who calculated the trajectory of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon.

Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World
by Vashti Harrison

From the author of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History comes the highly anticipated follow-up, a beautifully illustrated collectible detailing the lives of women creators around the world.

Featuring the true stories of 35 women creators, ranging from writers to inventors, artists to scientists, Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World inspires as it educates. Readers will meet trailblazing women like Mary Blair, an American modernist painter who had a major influence on how color was used in early animated films, actor/inventor Hedy Lamarr, environmental activist Wangari Maathai, architect Zaha Hadid, filmmaker Maya Deren, and physicist Chien-Shiung Wu. Some names are known, some are not, but all of the women had a lasting effect on the fields they worked in.

The charming, information-filled full-color spreads show the Dreamers as both accessible and aspirational so readers know they, too, can grow up to do something amazing.

Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa
by Jeanette Winter

As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something—and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans . . .

This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman’s passion, vision, and determination inspired great change.

Includes an author’s note.

Spring After Spring: How Rachel Carson Inspired the Environmental Movement
by Stephanie Roth Sisson

As a child, Rachel Carson lived by the rhythms of the natural world. Spring after spring, year after year, she observed how all living things are connected. And as an adult, Rachel watched and listened as the natural world she loved so much began to fall silent. Spring After Spring traces Rachel’s journey as scientist and writer, speaking truth to an often hostile world through her book, and ultimately paving the way for the modern environmental movement.

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist
by Jess Keating
illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

At 9 years old, Eugenie Clark developed an unexpected passion for sharks after a visit to the Battery Park Aquarium in New York City. At the time, sharks were seen as mindless killing machines, but Eugenie knew better and set out to prove it. Despite many obstacles in her path, Eugenie was able to study the creatures she loved so much. From her many discoveries to the shark-related myths she dispelled, Eugenie's wide scientific contributions led to the well-earned nickname "Shark Lady."

Ada Twist, Scientist
by Andrea Beaty
illustrated by David Roberts

Scientist Ada has a boundless imagination and has always been hopelessly curious. Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose? When her house fills with a horrific, toe-curling smell, Ada knows it’s up to her to find the source. What would you do with a problem like this? Not afraid of failure, Ada embarks on a fact-finding mission and conducts scientific experiments, all in the name of discovery. But, this time, her experiments lead to even more stink and get her into trouble!

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!