Small Readers: Frank and Bean by Jamie Michalak, illustrated by Bob Kolar

Jamie Michalak, author of the funny Sparky and Joe easy reader series, returns with another oddball couple. This time, though, they're not animals but food!

Frank, a very quiet and studious hot dog (or frankfurter) in a tidy bun and with a hat is going camping. Frank is not the sharing kind and he is looking for peace and quiet to write. He has his tent, spork, and writing equipment and is all set to go. But first he's disturbed by a lot of animals who don't understand that his writing is secret. At night, he says goodnight to himself. He's alone and that's how he likes it!

Chapter two introduces Bean. Bean is, well, a bean. He's short and oval and has a bus, trumpet, motorcycle... clearly, Bean does not value quiet. Bean is loud and messy and he and Frank do NOT get along. Bean is looking for words for his one-man band, but he can't find any. Frank suggests peace and quiet to let the words flow, but Bean just can't handle that! He annoys Frank and even tries to read his secret notebook! Finally, Frank gives in and tries one jelly doughnut (of the non-sentient variety, presumably) but they are still not friends! Not until a disturbed night encourages them both to confide in each other do they realize that they are exactly what the other needs. Frank has words for Bean and Bean has friendship for Frank. They join together and the last page shows them rocking out in their new band, the Chili Dogs.

Kolar's illustrations are simple and cheerful, not detracting from the text but adding a nice accompaniment. The reading level is fairly high; this is not an introductory easy reader, rather one that is right on the bridge to chapter books. The odd couple theme is a bit tired, in my opinion, and I personally dislike the trope where a quiet character realizes they really need an extrovert as a friend, especially when the extrovert doesn't reciprocate with some appreciation of quiet time, but we seem to be stuck with it at this point.

Verdict: This breaks no new ground (or wind ha ha) but it's a solid intermediate level easy reader with a humorous touch. Purchase where easy readers at this level are needed.

ISBN: 9780763695590: Published October 2019 by Candlewick; Review copy provided by LT Early Reviewers; Donated to the library