Big Bad Beans

Cul-de-sac Kids #22

by Beverly Lewis

Jason Birchall is saving all his money for a super mountain bike. He's been working hard and counting every penny. He's even storing his money in a secret place that no one can find.

But Jason's mom is on a health kick, and she's making him eat vegetables...and beans. Jason comes up with a way to hide some of the icky food, but it turns out to be a bad mistake.

Will Jason and the Cul-de-sac Kids still be able to come up with a way to get that bike?

Genres: Chapter Books, Childrens, Middle Grade, Christian Fiction

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."

Reviews

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian Middle Grade

Mild dislike:
Page 50:
"Bad, bad Muffie!" He wanted to shake her. No, that was too kind. He wanted to hang Muffie up by her doggie ears.
Page 51:
"I'm doomed. Abby's money is all gone! Muffie ate it!" he said over and over.
"I can't understand you," his mother said.
"Everything's wrong," he muttered.
"Abby counted on me and now..”
He picked Muffie out of the shower.
Her breath smelled like beans. "You little sneak," he hollered in the pooch's face. "I oughta call the dog pound this minute!"
Poor little Muffie shook in his arms.
He carried her to the back door and put her out. Then he slammed the kitchen door and headed for his room.

Aside from that — excellent!

[Shannon Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great books for kids!! I loved the Christian influence and my 6 year old son could relate to the situations while still reading the book himself!! HIGHLY recommend!!

[Mary-Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely my favourite Cul de Sac Kids book. Jason's mom is on a health food kick. Jason is saving up for a bicycle. He is about to buy Eric's when Eric sells it to another guy for more money. Jason agrees to look after Abby's saved up money, but it is destroyed when his new pet dog (see previous volume) eats the money which Jason has hidden in his drawer with healthy food leftovers that he does not want to eat. Jason gives Abby his money instead, not telling Abby what really happened. Dunkum is learning Bible verses about giving to others if you have two of something. Since Dunkum has two bikes, he decides to give one to Jason, especially when he finds out about Jason's situation. All of the kids show godly character development, even Eric who later regrets his decision and apologizes.

[Tristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun book.

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute story for kids, with meaningful morals and good fun.