Green Beans

Thomas's good-natured, pleasantly traditional tale introduces Gramma, who, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat and spectacles perched on her nose, is, inarguably, ``correct.'' In fact, most people--and things--don't dare argue with this strong-willed woman: not Dorothea, when told not to snatch grapes ``willy nilly'' but to use the silver grape-snips instead; and not the plants in Gramma's garden, who are instructed in growing properly rather than ``lollygagging.'' At least most of the plants obey orders--all but the green beans. But when Gramma goes off on a trip, leaving Dorothea and her father in charge, the beans begin to grow with abandon, an occurrence which even Gramma finds cause for celebration on her return. Redenbaugh's pastel-hued drawings shed a soft, affectionate light on Gramma--and her near-perfectly ordered universe. An admirable first effort for both author and illustrator. Ages 3-8. (July)