Jellybean

by Tessa Duder

The coming of age of a lonely girl who learns to follow her dreams by award winning author Tessa Duder.

First published in the United Kingdom in 1985, Jellybean is one of Tessa Duder's best loved children's novels, and tells the beguiling story of a lonely girl, Geraldine, whose unconventional single mother is uncomfortably different from all her schoolmates' mothers. Her mother is a professional musician - but not even something cool like a singer or a a rock star - she plays in the orchestra and occasionally in a jazz band in clubs. Jellybean is often left to her own devices, and feels sad and neglected. When a stranger comes into their life and she finds that he is someone from her mother's past, she begins to wonder if he is her mysteriously absent father. Jellybean also learns what she really wants, and that some things are so important to who you are, you have to make some challenging choices. And the hardest lesson of all is that sometimes you might want to hide away, but what you need to do is take your courage in your hands and be prepared to stand up and be seen. Published internationally in several editions, and a finalist in both Adult and Children's premier literary awards in this country at the time of its release, Jellybean is a poignant and timeless tale that has been out of print for the last ten years, and we are delighted to be able to revisit her enchanting story.

Genres: Childrens, Young Adult

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Tessa Duder trained as a journalist, and spent fifteen years rearing four daughters before she turned to writing fiction in her late thirties. Her books include the four Alex novels, Jellybean and Night Race to Kawau, as well as ten titles of non-fiction for both adults and young people. She's also an editor, short story writer, playwright and actor. Born in Auckland in 1940, she's lived most of her life there, except for periods spent in England, Pakistan and Malaysia.

Tessa Duder lives in Auckland, New Zealand, where she writes full time.

Reviews

[Kerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book, quite short and easy going. I think 8-10 year old me would have connected with this more. Geraldine is an easy character to like and sympathize with.

A quick, enjoyable read.

[Kristine Kouba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot Summary: girl has no siblings and is in a family with just her mother. Her nickname is Jellybean. Music plays a key role in this book because her mother plays the cello and the girl becomes more and more interested/passionate in music.

Main Characters- Geraldine aka: Jellybean. teenager, mother is always busy with her music, doesn't have a lot of time for daughter, father figure not in the picture. Girl is lonely and wishes her mother would spend more time with her and focus less on her playing gigs/music. Jellybean becomes interested in becoming a conductor.. gets involved with a school performance: The Nut Cracker Suite. begins to understand herself and her mother better throughout the story

Mum - the mother: busy with music, single mother, always running to performances, always practing, not much time spent on daughter. Grows closer to daughter in the story

Key issues: passion for music, growing up, living with single parent, neglected, developing bonds

Other interesting information: if you liked this book by Tessa Duder, you might enjoy other books, such as: The Alex Quartet, Alex, Alex in Winter, and Mercury Beach

[Discoverylover]

"As the only child of a single musician, Geraldine (nicknamed Jellybean) has always played second fiddle to her mother's career. Resentful and lonely, she has to arrange her life around her mother's rehearsal and performance schedule as a concert cellist. A man from her mother's past helps Geraldine discover her own passion for music and helps her to better understand her mother and herself."

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it quite hard to get into. Jellybean is about a girl called Geraldine whose mother is the only one out of all of rooms 9 and 10 at school who plays the cello. It was particularly engaging or interesting either. The language and style was great thought

[AveryJames]

Read in 4th grade