Review by Kirkus Book Review
Why buy dry jelly beans from a shop when you can get them fresh from your very own tree? It doesn't take much--just some sugar and jugs of jelly--and soon this little curly-haired boy has a tree all to himself. And why stop at harvesting jelly beans when you can build your own sky-high treehouse and even dance nude in the rain on the branch of your tree? This creative child even imagines a splendiferous crown with which to stake his claim of "Jelly Bean King." With a barrage of the sugary goodies, he successfully defends his colorful kingdom against invading weasels, mice, and a strange bird. But even a monarch gets lonely from time to time. After he sends out an airmail invitation, his family joyfully gathers round for a fantasy teatime. Finn's whimsical rhymes explore the make-believe world of every child's dream--candy on demand! "Some people say, 'Jelly beans don't grow on trees!' / I wonder, 'Well how do they know?' / Perhaps all their jelly beans failed to sprout… / But my one has started to grow." Parker's playfully inventive illustrations are the perfect backdrop for the fantastical narrative. The ending of this British import, which sees the child's loving family with attributes of the animal intruders, offers a particularly charming visual parallel. The boy and his family are light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sweet treat for the young and young at heart. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
