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Bean the Stretchy Dragon: A Sally & Bean Adventure
Meet Bean—a stretchy, cheerful dragon who lives with a grumpy witch named Sally. Whether she’s solo or with Sally, from burying bones to meeting new friends, in this debut graphic novel Bean finds herself an adventure no matter where she goes.
From the creator of the popular webcomic, Sally & Bean , comes Bean The Stretchy Dragon that follows a day in the life of little Bean who lives in the forest with a witch, Sally. A dash of sweet, a pinch of spooky, and plenty of humor.
From the creator of the popular webcomic, Sally & Bean , comes Bean The Stretchy Dragon that follows a day in the life of little Bean who lives in the forest with a witch, Sally. A dash of sweet, a pinch of spooky, and plenty of humor.
96 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2023
2 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 22, 2023
This had Tea Dragon Society vibes and I loved it. Bean was adorable and very much a cat in dragon form. It was so much fun and I look forward to revisiting this book.
4 stars
4 stars
February 10, 2024
Super cute. Short, but easy intro to graphic novels for younger kids. Hope we get more Sally and Bean stories.
July 30, 2023
Bean is such an adorable little stretchy dragon, I love her little heart tail. The illustrations were so cute and I especially loved the pages describing each fun animal. There wasn’t much plot, but I think it was a fun and engaging read, and my kids would love more books about Sally and Bean’s adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 28, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.
When I saw this book I knew I had to read it, because the nickname my friends from university gave me is no other than 'bean'. So this was a cute surprise haha. It's a really cute book, the story is nice and the illustration are beautiful! I hope the author publishes more books about bean, I would love t read them. Rating: 4/5 stars.
When I saw this book I knew I had to read it, because the nickname my friends from university gave me is no other than 'bean'. So this was a cute surprise haha. It's a really cute book, the story is nice and the illustration are beautiful! I hope the author publishes more books about bean, I would love t read them. Rating: 4/5 stars.
July 31, 2024
4.5
I want more Bean!
I want more Bean!
June 30, 2023
It was a sweet story about a day in the live of a sketchy dragon named Beans. It justed around a bit, but the illustrations were great, and I loved the explanations of the different creatures!.
June 22, 2025
This book depicts a day in the life of Bean the stretchy dragon (who seems sort of like a cross between a cat, a dog, and a ferret). Bean lives with Sally the witch a meets various cryptids in the forest, including a Jackalope, a Swamp Monster, and more.
The artwork was super cute, but the text needed a bit more editing for clarity - when a book is intended for children, I expect word usage to be perfect. Here, we have a few odd word choices like "Sadly, they are hunted down for their antlers, which behold powerful magic" (that's not how you use the word "behold," if that sentence is saying what I think it is) and a monster described as having "palmed feet" (I think the author meant "palm-shaped"?).
I got this for the artwork, and Bean was exactly as cute, chaotic, and stretchy as I'd hoped. Even here, though, I think the author and publisher could have done a better job - the colors seemed a bit muddy, and the linework would have benefited from more variation.
Rating Note:
Rating this so low feels a bit like kicking a puppy. I really did enjoy the artwork, and Bean in general, but when I think about the intended audience, I really wish the execution had been better.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
The artwork was super cute, but the text needed a bit more editing for clarity - when a book is intended for children, I expect word usage to be perfect. Here, we have a few odd word choices like "Sadly, they are hunted down for their antlers, which behold powerful magic" (that's not how you use the word "behold," if that sentence is saying what I think it is) and a monster described as having "palmed feet" (I think the author meant "palm-shaped"?).
I got this for the artwork, and Bean was exactly as cute, chaotic, and stretchy as I'd hoped. Even here, though, I think the author and publisher could have done a better job - the colors seemed a bit muddy, and the linework would have benefited from more variation.
Rating Note:
Rating this so low feels a bit like kicking a puppy. I really did enjoy the artwork, and Bean in general, but when I think about the intended audience, I really wish the execution had been better.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
July 2, 2024
Meet Bean, the stretchy dragon, and go exploring her home in the swamp.
Yeah, that's pretty much the whole plot. The illustrations are adorable, the magical animal guidebook is clever, and this is certainly easy to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who is just learning to read and would like a few giggles and doesn't want to have to worry they'll lose track of the plot if they put the book down.
Yeah, that's pretty much the whole plot. The illustrations are adorable, the magical animal guidebook is clever, and this is certainly easy to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who is just learning to read and would like a few giggles and doesn't want to have to worry they'll lose track of the plot if they put the book down.
August 2, 2023
Bean the Stretchy Dragon is a story about Bean's daily life and her unique friends. Along the story, you'd get introduced to her friends in the form of a short bio. I like this part! I think children would love to read the information about these creatures. It makes them feel real.
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November 4, 2023This is cozy and sweet. There's really not much to it other than following Bean around during her day. It's not even a cohesive storyline, just bits here and there as well as panels that introduce readers to other magical and mythical creatures of the swap. It feels a lot like a series starter or a character introduction and I would like to see more of Bean's stories fleshed out. This is based on a webtoon, which is also a series of quick, slice of life stories (at least to start-I haven't read all of them). I think there's a lot of potential to grow the story and have adventures with Bean. This is a good early reader comic that is low stakes and cute.
April 30, 2023
Super cute early reader graphic novel. Would make a great read aloud and includes some surprisingly cool conversation starters for climate change and endangered species for curious little ones.
January 17, 2024
Super cute graphic novel that's perfect for kids who are ready to upgrade from easy readers but are not interest in chapter books!
Read
January 17, 2024Adorable illustrations!
Would recommend for the younger end of Middle Grade readers
Would recommend for the younger end of Middle Grade readers
January 26, 2024
this was a cute little comic for all ages
its basically the day in the life of a house cat but instead of a house cat its a stretchy Dragon named Bean.
its basically the day in the life of a house cat but instead of a house cat its a stretchy Dragon named Bean.
January 1, 2025
Cute story about a witch and her stretchy dragon
September 7, 2023
Bean is a creature of habit. She wakes up at the same time every day, has a stretch, opens the bedroom curtains and falls down the stairs. She sharpens her claws, has a good grooming session then hits breakfast - you guessed it! Beans!
Bean is a tiny dragon living with a young witch in a forest swamp. She has large eyes, a long stretchy body and her even longer tail has a heart shape on the very tip. This is a good sign to all that Bean is a friendly dragon - not the feisty fire breathing sort.
Living in the swamp is interesting every day. The forest even more so. Amazing creatures live inside. Some are nice to eat, and some will eat you! There are Jackalope - part jack rabbit, part antelope. There are mean fairies, hobgoblins and furry trout. There is even a dragon that will poop out three of whatever it eats. This makes it much sought after by those wanting to get rich quick.
Bean loves living with Sally who makes him tasty soups and is always there when she needs her - like when facing scary swamp monsters, or just getting tangled up in her own tail. Every day is a good day in this magical forest swamp.
A day in the life of a small stretchy dragon, illustrated in muted colors capturing Bean's daily capers.
Bean encounters many strange creatures during her trip into the swamp, and each one has its own page including description, habits and strange quirks.
There's a nod to climate change and loss of habitat as even these magical creatures struggle to find homes or remain hidden.
A fun junior graphic novel for 5+
Bean is a tiny dragon living with a young witch in a forest swamp. She has large eyes, a long stretchy body and her even longer tail has a heart shape on the very tip. This is a good sign to all that Bean is a friendly dragon - not the feisty fire breathing sort.
Living in the swamp is interesting every day. The forest even more so. Amazing creatures live inside. Some are nice to eat, and some will eat you! There are Jackalope - part jack rabbit, part antelope. There are mean fairies, hobgoblins and furry trout. There is even a dragon that will poop out three of whatever it eats. This makes it much sought after by those wanting to get rich quick.
Bean loves living with Sally who makes him tasty soups and is always there when she needs her - like when facing scary swamp monsters, or just getting tangled up in her own tail. Every day is a good day in this magical forest swamp.
A day in the life of a small stretchy dragon, illustrated in muted colors capturing Bean's daily capers.
Bean encounters many strange creatures during her trip into the swamp, and each one has its own page including description, habits and strange quirks.
There's a nod to climate change and loss of habitat as even these magical creatures struggle to find homes or remain hidden.
A fun junior graphic novel for 5+
September 20, 2024
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, my goodness! This book is so cute. The story, the intros to new characters and magical species, large print, killer illustrations, and BEAN herself are absolute winners. Early readers are going to love her.
Oh, my goodness! This book is so cute. The story, the intros to new characters and magical species, large print, killer illustrations, and BEAN herself are absolute winners. Early readers are going to love her.
September 14, 2023
Bean The Stretchy Dragon: A Sally & Bean Adventure by Ari Stocrate is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on September 19 2023. Meet Bean—a stretchy, cheerful dragon who lives with a grumpy witch named Sally. Whether she’s solo or with Sally, from burying bones to meeting new friends, in this debut graphic novel Bean finds herself an adventure no matter where she goes. A dash of sweet, a pinch of spooky, and plenty of humor.
Bean The Stretchy Dragon is a book that reminds me of classic easy readers with the bold illustrations and large, limited text. I have somehow missed seeing the Webcomic of Sally & Bean, so I had no idea of what to expect, I just thought the cover art was cute. Once I started reading I was glad that the cover drew me in. I thought the art was consistent and cute through out, and I loved the cryptozoological explanations of the critters living in the swamp with Sally and Bean. Some of the pages, with the arrows and descriptions, reminded me of the Scaredy Squirrel books in the very best ways. I though the book was fun to read and to look at and I think there are many readers, of all ages, that will also enjoy the read.
Bean The Stretchy Dragon is a book that reminds me of classic easy readers with the bold illustrations and large, limited text. I have somehow missed seeing the Webcomic of Sally & Bean, so I had no idea of what to expect, I just thought the cover art was cute. Once I started reading I was glad that the cover drew me in. I thought the art was consistent and cute through out, and I loved the cryptozoological explanations of the critters living in the swamp with Sally and Bean. Some of the pages, with the arrows and descriptions, reminded me of the Scaredy Squirrel books in the very best ways. I though the book was fun to read and to look at and I think there are many readers, of all ages, that will also enjoy the read.
July 28, 2023
*Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*
This is such a cute graphic novel, showing off a day in the life of a stretchy dragon named Bean. Bean is the best friend of a witch named Sally, and together they live in a swap full of magical creatures. This story is about everything Bean does and who she meets throughout her day, with helpful pages highlighting what each new creature is. Bean acts like part cat and part dog, another reviewer described them as being like Toothless, which is very accurate. I love Bean's design and character, and Sally's as well. While short and lacking a structured plot, this is obviously geared towards younger readers and doesn't really suffer from a lack of either here. What's important is it's fun, engaging, and colorful. This was fun a cute read, Bean is a new favorite dragon for me now.
This is such a cute graphic novel, showing off a day in the life of a stretchy dragon named Bean. Bean is the best friend of a witch named Sally, and together they live in a swap full of magical creatures. This story is about everything Bean does and who she meets throughout her day, with helpful pages highlighting what each new creature is. Bean acts like part cat and part dog, another reviewer described them as being like Toothless, which is very accurate. I love Bean's design and character, and Sally's as well. While short and lacking a structured plot, this is obviously geared towards younger readers and doesn't really suffer from a lack of either here. What's important is it's fun, engaging, and colorful. This was fun a cute read, Bean is a new favorite dragon for me now.
September 19, 2023
A cute and cozy magical comic about a day in the life of Bean the stretchy dragon who lives with Sally, the witch in the swamp and in the enchanted forest.
Bean is really cute and silly and I think both cat and dog parents can relate to her character. She has some adventures in the forest where she meets some magical creatures like jackalopes, furry trouts and such. I really liked that each of the creatures had a character page with some info about them and I was surprised and touched to find some info on how these creatures are exploited by humans.
The graphic style is really cute and silly, has very few panels on a page, often just one, which makes it an easy and quick read for younger children as well. I really liked when the image and Bean's stretchy body as well were overarching the pages. Also there are quite a few funny tiny details, like a pacifier in the mandrake's mouth.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ARC.
Bean is really cute and silly and I think both cat and dog parents can relate to her character. She has some adventures in the forest where she meets some magical creatures like jackalopes, furry trouts and such. I really liked that each of the creatures had a character page with some info about them and I was surprised and touched to find some info on how these creatures are exploited by humans.
The graphic style is really cute and silly, has very few panels on a page, often just one, which makes it an easy and quick read for younger children as well. I really liked when the image and Bean's stretchy body as well were overarching the pages. Also there are quite a few funny tiny details, like a pacifier in the mandrake's mouth.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ARC.
December 30, 2024
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A cute little slice of life story about magical creatures and friendship.
I love the Sally & Bean Webtoon and was thrilled to see Bean get her own book.
This is an adorable little adventure following Bean throughout her day. Join her on her morning routine, her explorations through the swamp, and spending time with her best friend Sally.
Sweet illustrations. A simple story with plenty of humor and encounters with magical creatures. I especially love the guide-book-style spreads for each of the creatures.
This could definitely be read as a standalone without any previous knowledge of the Webtoon. The Webtoon is also adorable and this works as a nice little intro to it as well.
Whether you're looking for more Sally & Bean adventures or just want to follow a cute little dragon's wanderings, this is a nice, low-stakes, easy-to-read comic full of humor, sweetness, and fun.
A cute little slice of life story about magical creatures and friendship.
I love the Sally & Bean Webtoon and was thrilled to see Bean get her own book.
This is an adorable little adventure following Bean throughout her day. Join her on her morning routine, her explorations through the swamp, and spending time with her best friend Sally.
Sweet illustrations. A simple story with plenty of humor and encounters with magical creatures. I especially love the guide-book-style spreads for each of the creatures.
This could definitely be read as a standalone without any previous knowledge of the Webtoon. The Webtoon is also adorable and this works as a nice little intro to it as well.
Whether you're looking for more Sally & Bean adventures or just want to follow a cute little dragon's wanderings, this is a nice, low-stakes, easy-to-read comic full of humor, sweetness, and fun.
July 12, 2023
This early reader graphic novel is a sweet, simple introduction to a variety of fantastical creatures that live in a swamp near Bean and his witch, Sally. The book lacks any real plot, as its “a day in the life of a unique dragon” cannot really be forced to fit into any plot diagram that I’ve ever seen, but the illustrations are engaging and I’m sure that many in grades 1-3 will love it. Bean is adorable, he and Sally have a warm relationship, and the swamp around the home is filled with easily recognized beings such as a swamp monster, fairy, jackalope and hobgoblin plus some lesser know like a fur bearing trout, the abbagoochie and Bean himself, a stretchy dragon. Entertaining and fun and maybe the beginning of a new series that might have more storyline than this introduction to two new, children’s fantasy characters.
Thanks for the print arc, Andrews McMeel.
Thanks for the print arc, Andrews McMeel.
May 5, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy of this book at a library convention
The illustrations of this book were adorable. I enjoyed the world building and the creative creatures the author came up with. I also enjoyed the relationship between Sally and Bean
I probably would be interested in reading further entries in the series that had more of a plot. This volume was a "day in the life". It was cozy and cute, but it has a very meandering quality.
I would recommend this for any school library or public library where you have a lot of dragon lovers/fantasy lovers, (though fans of Wings of Fire may be disappointed with the lack of...murder.) It's a quick read and it generated a bit of interest as I read it on the reference desk.
The illustrations of this book were adorable. I enjoyed the world building and the creative creatures the author came up with. I also enjoyed the relationship between Sally and Bean
I probably would be interested in reading further entries in the series that had more of a plot. This volume was a "day in the life". It was cozy and cute, but it has a very meandering quality.
I would recommend this for any school library or public library where you have a lot of dragon lovers/fantasy lovers, (though fans of Wings of Fire may be disappointed with the lack of...murder.) It's a quick read and it generated a bit of interest as I read it on the reference desk.
July 30, 2023
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bean may be a dragon, but she's a stretchy dragon. She loves playing with yarn, eating her daily amount of canned beans, and visiting the other swamp creatures on a daily basis. With her owner, Sally, the resident swamp witch, Bean goes on many adventures...all in a day's time. By the end of the day, she curls up in a ball and sleeps the night away.
Why is this so cute!? I had so much fun reading this quick picture book. Youngsters will enjoy the daily life of a rambunctious dragon who's amused by anything. (It kind of reminds me of my cats). Bean wakes up and plays all day and then later hangs out with Sally. This was just too adorable; I loved it!
Bean may be a dragon, but she's a stretchy dragon. She loves playing with yarn, eating her daily amount of canned beans, and visiting the other swamp creatures on a daily basis. With her owner, Sally, the resident swamp witch, Bean goes on many adventures...all in a day's time. By the end of the day, she curls up in a ball and sleeps the night away.
Why is this so cute!? I had so much fun reading this quick picture book. Youngsters will enjoy the daily life of a rambunctious dragon who's amused by anything. (It kind of reminds me of my cats). Bean wakes up and plays all day and then later hangs out with Sally. This was just too adorable; I loved it!
June 13, 2023
Note to the author of this – that is not what 'behold' means. You just mean 'hold'. It's odd to see such a mistake in a book like this, which nowhen else at all even tries to be halfway clever. Indeed it stops having a plot a third of the way through, introduces some weird other characters, and then tumbles to the back cover. Unattractive, unfunny (actually I can't even be sure it was intended to be otherwise), and doing nothing, this is not really worth worrying about. One and a half stars.
July 30, 2023
{✨Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for a chance to review this book! ✨ }
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!
This is one of those books where I know that as soon as I buy it, it’ll become a family favorite. Cute, funny, engaging, and educational (who knew there was a fur trout 😆) I would absolutely purchase this for friends of mine and their kids. Adorable Bean and all the Cryptid/Folklore friends are adorable and fun to learn about. I loved all the little details (especially the old iPod hah!!) and had a great time reading this.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!
This is one of those books where I know that as soon as I buy it, it’ll become a family favorite. Cute, funny, engaging, and educational (who knew there was a fur trout 😆) I would absolutely purchase this for friends of mine and their kids. Adorable Bean and all the Cryptid/Folklore friends are adorable and fun to learn about. I loved all the little details (especially the old iPod hah!!) and had a great time reading this.
August 31, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest opinion.
Told with the signature wit and cleverness of any Andrews McMeel writer, this book is a fun romp through the enchanted forest with cat-like dragon Bean.
The illustrations of this book are just the right mix of humour and absolute adorableness, making me wish I could reach into the pages to bring some of the creatures into my home.
This is a book that begs to have more stories to come, with a universe that we've only just begun to explore.
Told with the signature wit and cleverness of any Andrews McMeel writer, this book is a fun romp through the enchanted forest with cat-like dragon Bean.
The illustrations of this book are just the right mix of humour and absolute adorableness, making me wish I could reach into the pages to bring some of the creatures into my home.
This is a book that begs to have more stories to come, with a universe that we've only just begun to explore.
September 4, 2023
Bean is the amazingly adorable, spunkily adventurous, and ever-cuddly pet of Sally the swamp witch. In this volume, Bean traipses through her swampy home, encountering magical being after magical being, each with their own traits, background, and charming appearance. Then, it's time for a cozy night in (with some cute shenanigans) with Bean's beloved Sally. This graphic narrative is a delightful romp in a unique fantasy world perfect for anyone looking for a pleasant dose of story that will have readers hugging their pet companions tightly.
September 19, 2023
This was very cute! I thought the illustrations were beautiful. This type of style is my favorite, and I love dragons and witches. Especially adorable, stretchy dragons. Bean is the perfect companion!
I think this book sets up the universe very nicely. It was cool to have a detailed description of each type of creature. I would’ve liked a little more plot in this book, but I’m hoping there are more adventures coming for Bean and Sally! I will definitely be reading more.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
I think this book sets up the universe very nicely. It was cool to have a detailed description of each type of creature. I would’ve liked a little more plot in this book, but I’m hoping there are more adventures coming for Bean and Sally! I will definitely be reading more.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews