Well, hey-hey-hey, we’ve got a couple new early reader friends here today!
Say hello to FRANK AND BEAN!
I’m eager to eat…er, I mean…MEET them, so I sat down with the fellas to have a frank conversation.
So Frank, you’re quite the solitary, secret fellow. What did you first think when Bean came along?
In three words: short, round, and jarring. Frankly, he’s a loud bean.
Frank’s got a point there, Bean. Why are you so LOUD?
WHAT’S THAT? *banging on drum* WHY AM I SO PROUD?
BECAUSE I’M A ONE-BEAN BAND. LISTEN TO THIS! *crashes cymbals* *toots horn* *bangs gong*
Crash! Toot! Gooooooong!
Bean! She said loud, not proud. Why are you so loud?
Me? Loud? I don’t know what you’re talking about. I am exuberant.
Well, we’ve got one quiet and one loud here. Does your friendship prove that opposites really do attract?
We’re different, but we’re the same in one way. We’re both like to use our imagination and be creative. I make up songs, but I have a hard time coming up with their words. Frank is a writer who keeps a Secret Notebook. What do you write in there, Frank?
Bean, shhh! We can’t give away the end of our story. These people haven’t read it yet.
Oh. Right. HEY, FRANK!
Bean, you don’t have to shout. I’m on the same page as you.
We forgot that we have something else in common too, Frank. We both like jelly donut holes. And Frank? I like you too.
Aw. Thanks, Bean.
Well, your story ends on an interesting note, guys. Do you want to give us a little hint about what may come next?
Sure! Our next adventure is about creativity too. But it’s about creativity in the kitchen. Or a food truck. Bean gets a big idea to compete in the forest’s food truck contest.
Will we win, Frank?
I don’t know. The book isn’t done yet. But I bet we’ll have fun.
Me too. Because we totally rock! *crashes cymbals* *toots horn*
Gooooooong!
Well, now I need a couple of Tylenol…extra strength…fast acting…
Let’s take a look at the WORLD PREMIERE BOOK TRAILER!
FRANK AND BEAN is an adorable new early reader series from author Jamie Michalak and illustrator Bob Kolar, published by Candlewick. There’s full-color delight on every page, perfect for kids who are moving beyond picture books but don’t want to leave the best part—THE PICTURES!!!—behind. These pals have a tiny bit of a rough (and loud) start to their friendship, but they realize their strengths complement each other in perfect harmony.
If you’d like to win a copy of FRANK AND BEAN, leave a comment about what makes friendship so special.
One winner will be randomly selected very soon, because Tara has a lot of giveaways for which she needs to pick winners. So she’ll do it all in one fell swoop!
Good luck!
To follow this tour, you don’t even need a VW minibus! (But that would be more fun.)
136 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 2, 2019 at 9:19 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Frank’s expressions = priceless!
Love learning about early readers that are fun and engaging and full of character!
What makes friendships special? When opposites attract.
October 2, 2019 at 2:26 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Hi Cathy! *waving* Yes, Bob definitely captured Frank’s personality. 🙂
— Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 9:20 am
Jennifer Phillips
Special friendships involve accepting and enjoying each other’s quirks and differences. And clearly Frank and Bean will remind us of this. What a fun story idea! Congratulations.
October 2, 2019 at 2:27 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thanks, Jennifer! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 9:22 am
Gail Hedrick
This book looks adorable, and a great look at friendship. The fascinating (and equally aggravating!) thing about what makes friendship so special is how totally opposites can be friends. Thanks so much!
October 2, 2019 at 2:27 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 — Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 9:25 am
Deborah Lisa Amadei
Friendship means different things to different people. For some, it means talking every day. For others, they are always glad to see you, no matter when.
October 2, 2019 at 2:31 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thanks for commenting, Deborah! And so true. I treasure those friendships that are easy to pick up where we left off no matter how much time has passed.
October 2, 2019 at 9:28 am
Deborah Lisa Amadei
Friendship means different things to different people. For some, it means talking every day. For others, they are always glad to hear from you.
October 2, 2019 at 9:30 am
authorlaurablog
There can never be too many friendship stories! 😊
October 2, 2019 at 9:31 am
kelbelroberts
Courageous empathy should color our friendships!
October 2, 2019 at 9:35 am
Sandie Vaisnoras
Just ordered this. Sounds so clever and good that there will be a sequel.
October 2, 2019 at 2:33 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thank you, Sandie! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 9:39 am
Christina Shawn
Laughter. Laughing with friends is the best feeling ever. Can’t wait to read your book!
October 2, 2019 at 2:33 pm
littlecrookedcottage
100 percent! Thank you, Christina! 😀 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 9:41 am
danielledufayet
This looks like a fun book with memorable characters and its message of friendship is universal. 🙂 Congrats!
October 2, 2019 at 2:34 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thanks you, Danielle! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 9:48 am
C.L. Murphy
We can’t pick our family but we sure can pick our friends. Who wouldn’t pick Frank and Bean as pals? I adore your wordplay! So clever!
October 2, 2019 at 2:34 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Aww, thank you, C.L.! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 9:50 am
supermario6
The best part of friendship is getting together after time apart and connecting instantly.
October 2, 2019 at 9:50 am
Suzanne Lewis
Frank and Bean–skinny and tall side-by-side with round and squat! An unlikely, but oh-so-delicious pair! What a fun story!
October 2, 2019 at 2:35 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Ha! Thank you, Suzanne! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 9:53 am
nataliecohn0258
Friendship is special because it’s there for you when you can’t get through the tough times.
October 2, 2019 at 10:01 am
Judy Pressler
How enjoyable! Can’t wait to hold it in my hands to read it!
October 2, 2019 at 2:36 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thank you, Judy! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 10:20 am
katiemillsgiorgio
Laughing with friends is the best! Thank you for sharing!
October 2, 2019 at 10:21 am
Tracy Hora
What a fun series premise! And love the wordplay… Friends are always there for you.
October 2, 2019 at 2:36 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thank you, Tracy! 😀 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 10:24 am
Lydia Lukidis
This looks adorable! The simplicity and magic of the text will resonate with children.
October 2, 2019 at 2:37 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thank you, Lydia! 🙂 Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 10:28 am
Jamie Michalak
Thank you for the fun interview and trailer premiere, Tara! You totally rock. Hope your headache disappears soon. 🙂 Jamie (and Frank & Bean)
October 2, 2019 at 10:29 am
littlecrookedcottage
Thank you for the fun interview and trailer premiere, Tara! You totally rock. Hope your headache disappears soon. 🙂 — Jamie (and Frank & Bean)
October 2, 2019 at 10:36 am
Kim Larson
Adorable book, Jamie! Congrats!
Friends love us even when we don’t love ourselves.
October 2, 2019 at 2:37 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thanks so much, Kim! –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 10:46 am
Carrie Charley Brown
Friendship means sticking together through through the ups and downs of life. Circumstances change, but friendships can grow over time, distance, and bumps in the road. This series is sure to be a hit and my first grade class would love a copy. Crossing my fingers!
October 2, 2019 at 2:40 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thank you, Carrie! I hope your first graders will enjoy the book and write a song or poem of their own. 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 10:49 am
Virginia E Neil
As a writer, this is so totally an idea I wish I had thought of. What a great premise and promise of fun to come. Congratulations to Jamie (and Frank & Bean)
October 2, 2019 at 2:40 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thank you, Virginia! ❤ — Jamie (and Frank & Bean)
October 2, 2019 at 10:53 am
clairebobrow
Friendship is so special because who else would help you remove a piece of chewing gum from your hair, even if they do have to cut it out with a rock? (True story, lol.) Toot toot for Frank and Bean! Congrats, Jamie and Bob!!
October 2, 2019 at 2:42 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Ha! I love it and am curious how the rock worked out. Thank you, Claire, and toot toot to you! 🙂 — Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 10:54 am
Cheryl Johnson
Kids will love this book!
October 2, 2019 at 2:42 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thank you, Cheryl! 🙂 — Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 11:40 am
Kathleen Wilcox
Nice book about getting past our differences and discovering our similarities, which is the essence of friendship.
October 2, 2019 at 2:43 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Well said. Thanks, Kathleen! 🙂 — Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 11:50 am
rosecappelli
Sharing and caring makes friendship special, and it seems like there is a lot of that with Frank and Bean! Love the trailer, too!
October 2, 2019 at 2:43 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Thank you, Rose! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 12:11 pm
Sheila Wipperman
Friends complement and bring out the best in each other, just like Frank and Bean! What a fun, delightful story! Can’t wait to read it. Love camping, music and owned several VW buses/campers. The grandkids will love this!
October 2, 2019 at 2:44 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Camping, music, and VW buses are the BEST! Thank you, Sheila! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
True friends have an amazing ability to pick up right where they left off no matter how long it has been since they’ve talked.
October 2, 2019 at 2:44 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Those friends are rare and special indeed. Thanks, Kaylynn! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 1:36 pm
Carrie Williford
That trailer is adorable! I love the look of this book.
October 2, 2019 at 2:45 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Glad you liked the trailer! Thank you, Carrie! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 1:55 pm
Becky Hamilton
I love the sound of this … literally!
October 2, 2019 at 2:45 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Hee hee. Thanks, Becky! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 2:01 pm
Angie
LOL! I love it! This book also makes me hungry. Is that weird? ;0 What makes friendship so special is that with friends, you can talk about anything and be own crazy self. You can even share your franks and beans.
October 2, 2019 at 2:49 pm
littlecrookedcottage
Ha! I love this comment. Thanks, Angie! 😀 — Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 2:18 pm
phaeacrede
Friendship IS magic – from instant friends to building up friendship over time, it’s otherworldly.
October 2, 2019 at 2:26 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
This would be perfect for my grandson. He loves funny books.
Friendships are special because even if you are very different, you can still best buddies who watch out for each other.
October 4, 2019 at 8:16 am
Jamie Michalak
True! Thank you, Carol! — Jamie 🙂
October 2, 2019 at 2:52 pm
Josie Liming Gawlowski
Yay Frank & Bean! Friendship means having someone to eat ice cream with you in the middle of winter.
October 4, 2019 at 8:17 am
littlecrookedcottage
🙂 Thanks, Josie!
October 2, 2019 at 3:58 pm
June Sengpiehl
Enertaining and educational. Charming.
October 4, 2019 at 8:19 am
Jamie Michalak
Thank you, June! –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 4:28 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Loving Frank and Bean!
October 4, 2019 at 8:19 am
Jamie Michalak
Thanks, Virginia! 😀
October 2, 2019 at 5:07 pm
Mirka
Helping friends in need.
October 2, 2019 at 6:18 pm
yangmommy
Fun interview! Really looking forward to meeting this dynamic duo!
October 4, 2019 at 8:20 am
Jamie Michalak
Yay! Thank you! 😀
October 2, 2019 at 7:15 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
This book looks deliciously fun and sweet! I can’t wait to read it!
October 4, 2019 at 8:20 am
Jamie Michalak
Thanks, Judy! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 7:27 pm
Susie Sawyer
Oh how fun!!! To me, what makes friendships special is when both friends are accepted for who they are, and neither tries to change the other .
October 2, 2019 at 7:52 pm
Arlene Schenker
I have a friend from third grade–and we are now 69! She’s on west coast and I’m on east coast. I just remembered, I wanted to call her tonight!
October 4, 2019 at 8:23 am
Jamie Michalak
Aww, that’s the best! ❤ –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 8:34 pm
Beth Gallagher
Oh this looks FABULOUS!!! Frankly, I’ll have to get my buns down to the bookstore ASAP to plunk down some beans for this story. Oh and friendship, my student tells me, is “like complimentary hues on a color chart. Each makes the other better.” 😉
October 4, 2019 at 8:22 am
Jamie Michalak
Ha! Thank you, Beth! And I love your student’s poetic description of what makes a good friend. There’s a picture book there somewhere. 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 8:34 pm
marty bellis
With friends, they love you even on your bad days and bolster you up when you’re in need of a little TLC. Frank and Bean sounds like a hilarious duo. Three cheers for a fun early reader. It beats Dick, Jane and Spot which is what I remember 😉
October 4, 2019 at 8:25 am
Jamie Michalak
Thank you, Marty! You might appreciate Cece Bell’s new early reader, Chick and Brain (her twist on Dick and Jane) 😀 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 8:56 pm
Amanda Davis
True friends always have your back and will support you through thick and thin 🙂
October 2, 2019 at 9:19 pm
Heather Hatch
The comfortability factor. Going together, good together, like weenie beanies :0
October 4, 2019 at 8:26 am
Jamie Michalak
Weenie beanies! 😀
October 2, 2019 at 10:05 pm
Erik Ammon
OMG, this looks hilarious! What makes a true friend? One who accepts you for who you are, faults and all. And isn’t afraid to also tell you you’re being annoying 🙂
October 4, 2019 at 8:26 am
Jamie Michalak
Thank you, Erik! 🙂 –Jamie
October 2, 2019 at 10:28 pm
Noelle McBride
My friendships are special because my truest kindred spirits help me learn how to be my best self, while cheering me on!
October 3, 2019 at 12:39 am
Writer on the run
Can’t wait to find it in the bookstore! Looks awesome!
October 4, 2019 at 9:01 am
Jamie Michalak
Thank you! 🙂 –Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 12:44 am
Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon)
Such a great concept for a book. And you could make a whole thing out of it and eat some franks and beans with the books.
Friendship means being there when need them. Looking forward to reading this book!
October 4, 2019 at 9:02 am
littlecrookedcottage
Frankly, that’s a great idea! Thanks, Ashley! 🙂 –Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 3:06 am
Colleen Dabney
Friendships make everyday worth enjoying!
October 3, 2019 at 3:24 am
Linda
With a good friend, you are not scared to try new things.
October 3, 2019 at 3:40 am
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
When you haven’t spoken to a friend in awhile and when you do it’s like you never stopped.
October 3, 2019 at 6:52 am
Lenora Biemans
Knowing that you have a connection forever. ❤
October 3, 2019 at 7:38 am
aliciaminor
It’s always nice to have a friend especially in picture books where we all can relate to. I look forward to more of their friendship escapades and congratulations too. More power to you.
October 4, 2019 at 9:03 am
littlecrookedcottage
True. Friends in picture books are always there when you need them. Thank you, Alicia! 🙂 –Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 9:29 am
Andi
Friends make life more fun!
October 3, 2019 at 9:35 am
Judy Bryan
When you look past the other’s flaws and love them anyway. True friendship is such a gift. Can’t wait to read Frank and Bean! Congratulations, Jamie and Bob!!
October 4, 2019 at 9:04 am
littlecrookedcottage
Thank you, Judy! 🙂 –Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 9:40 am
Laura Renauld
Friends help you laugh at your mistakes. And this pair looks hysterical! Can’t wait to read it. 🙂
October 4, 2019 at 9:05 am
littlecrookedcottage
We can all use one — or several — of those friends. Thanks, Laura! 🙂 — Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 11:08 am
Debbie Robl
Friends stay friends across the miles and across the years. Seeing each other erases the time and the distance! Happy to see this budding friendship between Frank and Bean!
October 4, 2019 at 9:05 am
littlecrookedcottage
Thank you, Debbie! 🙂 — Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 11:26 am
Sheri Radovich
I like the idea of a book beyond the picture book realm but is there a different word count for this type of book?
October 3, 2019 at 11:58 am
Darcee Freier
Friends are special because they don’t have to hang out with you, they choose to.
Congratulations on your early reader. I loved the trailer. So cute! I can’t wait to read the book.
October 4, 2019 at 9:07 am
Jamie Michalak
Glad you liked it! Thank you, Darcee! 🙂 — Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Patti Ranson
Frank and Bean making a choice to go and an adventure, learning more or their similarties and differences…. this will be a toot! Toot!
October 4, 2019 at 9:07 am
Jamie Michalak
Thanks for commenting, Patti! Toot toot! 🙂 –Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 3:41 pm
Juliana Lee
I am Frank. So happy there are Beans out there in the world too!
October 4, 2019 at 10:00 am
Jamie Michalak
Me too! Every Frank needs a Bean. 😀 Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 4:20 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
This looks awesome! “Musical fruit” –LOVE it! The best friendships are those where you don’t necessarily have to talk all the time, but you know you’re always there for one another! 🙂
October 4, 2019 at 10:00 am
Jamie Michalak
Thank you, Rebecca! Toot toot! — Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 4:32 pm
Pat Marsh-Severin
I wish I had a minivan to follow Frank & Bean
But since I don’t I’ll comment here
On friendship, yes, I mean
That friends may be a lot like you
Or different from you, too,
But either way, if you’ve a friend,
Life’s better if you do.
October 4, 2019 at 10:01 am
Jamie Michalak
Love this! 🙂 –Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 5:19 pm
Kathy O'Neill
A hug from a friend never gets old. Congrats on a cute new series! Beans and hotdogs are a staple of New England Saturday nights!
October 4, 2019 at 10:01 am
Jamie Michalak
Thank you, Kathy! 🙂 –Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 5:28 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Completely adorable!
October 4, 2019 at 10:01 am
Jamie Michalak
Thanks, Lisa! 🙂 –Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 6:17 pm
Carolyn Lucas
What makes a good friendship? Playing to each others’ strengths and supporting each others’ weaknesses. Such a cute book!
October 4, 2019 at 10:02 am
Jamie Michalak
Thank you, Carolyn! 🙂
October 3, 2019 at 7:56 pm
Beth Raff
Friendship is being able to say what’s on your mind without fear of being laughed at – knowing your friend will listen.
This book looks so adorable. It makes me think of all of the other food pairs kids could write about – Cookies and milk, peanut butter and jelly, hummus and falafel, cake and ice cream!
October 4, 2019 at 10:03 am
Jamie Michalak
So fun! Thanks, Beth! :0) –Jamie
October 3, 2019 at 8:23 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
The dynamic reminds me of Bert and Ernie. Good friends can teach you to love new things!
October 4, 2019 at 6:50 am
lmconnors
Friendships, our relationships, are the only thing that really matters.
October 4, 2019 at 2:32 pm
Kassy Keppol
Friendship is about understanding even if you don’t agree.
October 4, 2019 at 3:35 pm
Jennifer Bower
Friendships are special when we can be different; love those differences; and help each other learn new things and grow in new ways. Love the trailer!
October 4, 2019 at 5:21 pm
mariagianferrari
Hooray for Frank & Bean!! Can’t wait to read this funny-sounding friendship story! Congrats, Jamie!!
October 4, 2019 at 7:06 pm
Jamie Michalak
Thank you, Maria!!! xo Jamie
October 4, 2019 at 5:38 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Friendships are best when opposites can find middle ground and have fun.
October 4, 2019 at 9:00 pm
marykatesmithdespres
This looks adorable! Friendship is special because it’s a choice! The best friends are truly chosen family.
October 4, 2019 at 10:54 pm
seschipper
This looks like a fantstic book about what it takes to be bean ..I mean “best ”
friends!! Some of the same traits, likes and dislikes as well as totally opposite traits, likes and dislikes!!! hooray for friends!! 🙂
October 4, 2019 at 11:27 pm
annettepimentel
Similarities are nice, but differences are make friendships extra dear
October 5, 2019 at 2:08 pm
Danielle Hammelef
Friendships are important because you can surround yourself with others who can help you make great life choices and you can reciprocate.
October 5, 2019 at 5:15 pm
debbiearnn
Having someone who gets you or loves you even if they don’t—that’s what makes friendship special.
October 8, 2019 at 7:20 am
bgonsar
Looks great!
October 8, 2019 at 11:54 am
Linda KulpTrout
I love books that inspire creativity! This one looks like fun!
October 8, 2019 at 7:20 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Catching up with a friend and feeling like no time at all has passed is simply the best!
October 11, 2019 at 5:06 pm
kathydoherty1
A friendship is special when the friends are comfortable enough to let their true selves show knowing they will be accepted for who they are…warts and all.
October 31, 2019 at 9:48 am
Natasha Wing
Hilarious!