Jellybeans
By Sylvia Van Ommen; Glenn Murray (Foreword by)
(North Atlantic Books, Paperback, 9781556436321, 56pp.)
Publication Date: November 13, 2006
Other Editions of This Title: Hardcover (April 14, 2005)
Categories: Animals - Cats, Animals - Rabbits, Social Issues - Friendship
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Dutch author/artist Sylvia van Ommen presents a delightfully—and deceptively—simple tale introducing a pair of friends whose favorite treat inspires some unexpectedly deep questions. George, a young rabbit, gets a message from his pal Oscar, a cat. "How about going to the park and eating jellybeans?" The two friends meet up and have a hilarious and surprisingly perceptive discussion about the existence of heaven, and what might or might not go on there, while nibbling on their favorite food. Funny, winsome, with a touch of Frog and Toad and a huge dollop of charm, this little book is an enchanting, provocative read.
Sylva Van Ommen attended the Academy of Art in Kampen, The Netherlands, and currently makes her home in Zwolle. Jellybeans is the first book she has written and illustrated for children.
"Stylistically economical but expressive in language and art, this [book] never loses its naive point of view. Cat and rabbit are endearingly rendered with seemingly effortless and unerring black line surrounded by generous white space. The achievement cannot be overestimated—feather light treatment of the weightless subject and all of it made charmingly comprehensible."
—Kirkus Reviews
" The author's spare artwork is as streamlined, childlike, and winsome as her narrative, which is likely to inspire dialogue—and surely offer reassurance&mdashlabout what might lie ahead."
—Publishers Weekly
" This unsentimental story may comfort children who see their own questions and concerns mirrored in the ruminations of the two protagonists."
— School Library Journal
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