#BOOKREVIEW #17
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK REVIEW AS A WRITER AND A READER

Title: THE COOL BEAN
Author: Jory John
Illustrator: Pete Oswald
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Target Reader:  4-7 years

Jory John’s The Cool Bean touches on the universal message of kindness and feeling of being left out. The Cool Bean continues the themes of self-acceptance and friendship explored in Jory’s popular “Food Group” series.

The story begins with The Cool Beans busy being cool by the way they walk, dress up and talk. And a little bean, the protagonist, is desperate to be the cool bean. The little bean is trying to crack the formula to find acceptance in that group. The bean is failing in every attempt and the feeling left out. As the story proceeds, the Cool Beans extend help in various situations to explain that the true meaning of being cool. Coolness is not about hurting or putting others down, but it is about showing kindness and compassion by helping others. Coolness means uplifting others especially who feel alone and vulnerable. 

The strength of the book lies in its relatability and emotional resonance. Children (and adults alike) will connect with the bean’s sense of insecurity and desire to fit in. The narrative takes a gentle but powerful turn when the cool beans show unexpected kindness, revealing that being cool isn’t about style or swagger—it’s about compassion and empathy.

Pete Oswald’s vibrant illustrations bring the bean characters to life with expressive faces and playful details that add depth and humour to the story.

The book is gender neutral as the protagonist and all other characters in the story are beans. This increases the relatability quotient of the book, and it can open healthy discussions in school environment esp. about bullying that happens a lot in a playground or when adults are not around.

The Cool Beans is a funny, tender, and empowering read that encourages kids to embrace who they are and treat others with kindness—because that’s the coolest thing of all.

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