Summer Picks!

Summer Books to Devour!

Are you craving some tasty books to read over the summer? Well, you’re in luck because we love lists almost as much as we love books at Green Bean! Here are some fantastic picks for summer reading!
~Earl

Board Books

Rainbow Chameleon by Yusuke Yonezu- Rainbow Chameleon is one of our favorite of the newly published board books by Yusuke Yonezu. The style and story is reminiscent  of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It's about a chameleon’s danger-filled search for his friend! Interactive elements will entertain even the youngest readers.

Picture Books

Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan- This is a gorgeous book! Shaun Tan is one of our very favorite illustrators. This picture book tells the relationship between two brothers over one summer. We absolutely  love their interactions in this simple yet evocative story.

The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat- An imaginary creature does the unimaginable- seeks out a real live child to be his friend. A inspiring message of not giving up.  If it’s a friend you want, a friend you’ll get, when you just follow Beekle's example and put in the effort.

Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio, Illustrated by Christian Robinson- Absolutely adorable. A bulldog and a poodle are accidentally switched at birth and lead lives meant for the other. Then, one day, they meet. A delightful story about accepting others' differences and what makes a family a family!

Middle Readers

The Hero’s Guide to Being an Outlaw by Christopher Healy- Not since Trenton Lee Stewart’s Mysterious Benedict Society has a series captivated us like Christopher Healy’s League of Princes. There’s just a level of maturity and sophistication in these books- and a whole lot of fun! It's hard not to be impressed with how Healy handles the action scenes- or, more specifically, the consequences of the battles. Perfect for family read alouds.

Young Adult

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton- This is magical realism at its best. Touches of Charles Dickens, John Irving, and Erin Morgenstern but utterly original. This is not just the story of a girl born with wings. It’s the epic heartbreaking, and hopeful story of one family through the generations.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart- This is the book everyone will be talking about this summer! An affluent family vacations on their own island every summer. A group of privileged kids have all kinds of fun until one incident changes it all. The ending will blow your mind!

Adult

The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin- We're very partial to books about books. This adult book is about a recently widowed bookseller who finds a baby abandoned in his store. It’s also a story about starting over. A touching love letter to the bookselling profession.

Graphic Novels

The River by Alessandro Sanna- A beautiful and practically wordless graphic novel. Each season introduces a new story along the river. This book could be enjoyed by kids, but will ultimately be appealing to readers of any age that appreciate art!

And, just a reminder, we have our Family Book Club running through the Summer! Can’t wait to discuss books with you!

-Earl!