The Bean Family Sprouts

I wrote this book for my own family, and I am thrilled to share it with you. It's a simple story about a Bean Family facing the challenge of sprouting - moving from a comfortable home below ground to a new life above ground set with beautiful and engaging illustrations. Change is difficult, and any new experience brings emotions - from excitement and exhilaration to nervousness and fear. As a mother, I watch my children struggle with new schools, new teachers, new friends, new camps. Each new experience has brought a new worry and challenged them to be brave and try. It takes courage to try something new. I have noticed through the years that with each new situation, my children look back on previous transitions as a means to build resilience. A new school year now is not as tough as the very first new school year. As a family, we can reflect on how nervous we were the first time we tried a new instrument, had a new teacher, or made a new friend and remember positive things about each new situation. We build on our past experiences. My hope is that this book can start conversations. Caregivers and children can reflect on their new experiences and the emotions they bring. Children can connect with how scared and nervous Baby Bean is as he watches his body change, his life underground change, but also watch him enjoy his new life above ground. Without change, Baby Bean would not be able to enjoy his new surroundings and see all the beauty around the world above the ground. We cannot grow, thrive, and build resilience without change. It does not mean it's easy, but we can take it one step at a time and reflect on all we've learned from the experience together. Enjoy!Lora Shahine, MD