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The Food Group #3.1
As Cool as It Gets
When the Cool Bean picks the name of the coolest of the cool beans, Beanadette, out of a hat for the annual gift exchange, he's not feeling very merry or festive—he's feeling pressure! Beanadette is definitely expecting the coolest present of all. Will the Cool Bean find the perfect gift in time for the party?
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2022
13 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Jory John
94 books678 followersJory John is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and two-time E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor recipient.
Jory's work includes the #1 New York Times bestselling picture book, The Good Egg, and the #2 New York Times bestselling picture book, The Bad Seed, both illustrated by Pete Oswald. He is also the author of the popular picture books, Penguin Problems and Giraffe Problems, both illustrated by Lane Smith, the award-winning Goodnight Already! series, illustrated by Benji Davies, the New York Times bestselling Terrible Two series, the recent picture books Quit Calling Me a Monster! (with Bob Shea), Can Somebody Please Scratch My Back? (with Liz Climo), and the international bestseller, All my friends are dead, among many other books for both children and adults.
Jory's work includes the #1 New York Times bestselling picture book, The Good Egg, and the #2 New York Times bestselling picture book, The Bad Seed, both illustrated by Pete Oswald. He is also the author of the popular picture books, Penguin Problems and Giraffe Problems, both illustrated by Lane Smith, the award-winning Goodnight Already! series, illustrated by Benji Davies, the New York Times bestselling Terrible Two series, the recent picture books Quit Calling Me a Monster! (with Bob Shea), Can Somebody Please Scratch My Back? (with Liz Climo), and the international bestseller, All my friends are dead, among many other books for both children and adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 13, 2022
Went out to buy double sided tape with my toddler and came home with this book because she really wanted it. It's a great read! This book has 2 pages of stickers to play so that's fun.
This story followed Cool Bean at Christmas. There's a holiday party in town and he's not feeling festive enough to go. But to see everyone, he goes. At the Christmas party, everyone has to pick out a name from the hat to join in the Christmas gift exchange. He feels weary to have picked the most popular girl bean. He knows the presents everyone will love but it cost a lot of money and he can't afford it. He goes on a treasure hunt but all things he finds he knows she will not be happy to receive. He was about to go into hiding and forego the gift exchange when he thought of a good idea. He was excited as he walked to the party with his gift. When he arrived, he saw other gifts were bigger and stacked high that he had second thoughts about his gift. He felt worse when others opened their presents and squealed with delight. He was planning to escape unnoticed when his present was being opened and the girl bean's reaction was silent. But then she spoke up and it wasn't what he was expecting.
I feel the same way with cool bean about gift exchange that's why I normally don't do gift exchange.
A great buy and a great read in one day!
This story followed Cool Bean at Christmas. There's a holiday party in town and he's not feeling festive enough to go. But to see everyone, he goes. At the Christmas party, everyone has to pick out a name from the hat to join in the Christmas gift exchange. He feels weary to have picked the most popular girl bean. He knows the presents everyone will love but it cost a lot of money and he can't afford it. He goes on a treasure hunt but all things he finds he knows she will not be happy to receive. He was about to go into hiding and forego the gift exchange when he thought of a good idea. He was excited as he walked to the party with his gift. When he arrived, he saw other gifts were bigger and stacked high that he had second thoughts about his gift. He felt worse when others opened their presents and squealed with delight. He was planning to escape unnoticed when his present was being opened and the girl bean's reaction was silent. But then she spoke up and it wasn't what he was expecting.
I feel the same way with cool bean about gift exchange that's why I normally don't do gift exchange.
A great buy and a great read in one day!
January 18, 2025
My son now loves to audiobooks in the car. It’s perfect for a quick ride. We listened to this and we had to run some errands and it was funny and oh so adorable.
March 29, 2023
It’s not as good as the first one.
December 12, 2022
Reading Source: Overdrive / VBPL / Libby App (Free Borrow)
Format: Ebook / Read Along
Length: 37 Pages
Language: English
Rating: 5
I always feel a bit of encouragement when I read the Cool Bean books.
I end up a little happier than I originally was. (Reference Pg.27 - Cool Bean was happy and I felt the exact same way before).
This time around, the Cool Bean deals with gift exchange during the holidays and how anxious people (or bean) are when finding just the right gift to either impress or please the receiver of that gift. Although, this book may seem a little more wordy than usual. It clearly express how stressful and delightful it is during shopping for gifts and doing a(n) gift exchange.
Christmas is just around the corner and I feel the exact same way because I always do Secret Santa gifts with family. Especially, gift shopping for kids for the holidays. When choosing a gift, it is always best to choose from the heart or from a Wishlist. Luckily, I don't do it too often because it is stressful sometimes.
Favorite Quote:
"When in doubt, just make something." (Pg. 33)
- I love this quote because just like Cool Bean, just making things by hand was always my go too.
It especially helps that I love to be creative and I am an artsy person.
I read this again in read along narration because it is always nice to hear how a book is narrated. You could really feel how anxious Cool Bean was and how he put his all into his gift for Beanadette J. It is always nice to feel appreciated for both the giver and receiver of gifts exchange.
Happy Holidays to all Beans. XD
Format: Ebook / Read Along
Length: 37 Pages
Language: English
Rating: 5
I always feel a bit of encouragement when I read the Cool Bean books.
I end up a little happier than I originally was. (Reference Pg.27 - Cool Bean was happy and I felt the exact same way before).
This time around, the Cool Bean deals with gift exchange during the holidays and how anxious people (or bean) are when finding just the right gift to either impress or please the receiver of that gift. Although, this book may seem a little more wordy than usual. It clearly express how stressful and delightful it is during shopping for gifts and doing a(n) gift exchange.
Christmas is just around the corner and I feel the exact same way because I always do Secret Santa gifts with family. Especially, gift shopping for kids for the holidays. When choosing a gift, it is always best to choose from the heart or from a Wishlist. Luckily, I don't do it too often because it is stressful sometimes.
Favorite Quote:
"When in doubt, just make something." (Pg. 33)
- I love this quote because just like Cool Bean, just making things by hand was always my go too.
It especially helps that I love to be creative and I am an artsy person.
I read this again in read along narration because it is always nice to hear how a book is narrated. You could really feel how anxious Cool Bean was and how he put his all into his gift for Beanadette J. It is always nice to feel appreciated for both the giver and receiver of gifts exchange.
Happy Holidays to all Beans. XD
November 6, 2022
3 stars (I liked it)
Actually, I kind of feel a bit more like "it was okay" but I'm bumping it up because I do like the message.
The book has a nice message about how gifts don't have to be expensive. I just think the book is a little wordy and not all that interesting. Not my favorite of the "Food Group" series (I just learned it was called that...)
Actually, I kind of feel a bit more like "it was okay" but I'm bumping it up because I do like the message.
The book has a nice message about how gifts don't have to be expensive. I just think the book is a little wordy and not all that interesting. Not my favorite of the "Food Group" series (I just learned it was called that...)
September 15, 2025
It's the holiday season, and party time with a gift exchange. Cool Bean has pulled Beanadette J. as whom he is to give a gift to. Cool Bean has a hard time selecting the perfect gift to give her. But he comes up with a solution, his only worry is will Beanadette like it.
November 10, 2024
As Cool As It Gets is a perfect read during the holiday season for all children. Expensive gifts do not always mean better, it’s the thought that counts and that’s what many children are learning to appreciate in life. Being creative and making someone something is just as special. Bean overcame his fears and ended it with a very sweet finish to the book. 🥹
August 1, 2024
7/31/2024 - Very sweet story!
December 8, 2025
Great cheesy Story Time Book
December 3, 2023
This is such a cute companion book to The Food Group series, specifically The Cool Bean and it's perfect for Christmas time. It's about what really matters when giving and receiving presents! Cool beans!
December 8, 2022
Super cute and kept in the spirit of the rest of the series! The cool bean is sad because he doesn’t have any money to buy a cool gift for the gift exchange, so he decides to make the person whose name he drew a homemade picture. Even though the cool bean was embarrassed, his gift ends up being one of the biggest hits of the gift exchange party.
January 24, 2023
This book is good for little kids and learning that things that come from the heart are just as important. It takes place during the holiday season at a Christmas party and how everyone wanted a cool present, but the most popular one was the one made by the main character. I liked this book because it also came with stickers so the kids can make their friends something special.
December 13, 2022
Bean worries about the big holiday celebration. In particular, the gift exchange is an issue as he can't afford to buy a huge gift. He decides to make a gift and learns how much others value homemade items. Great story to discuss cherishing all sorts of presents.
October 6, 2025
What a great book with a fantastic lesson! It’s the holiday season which brings stress upon Cool Bean. Not everything about the season stresses him out, it’s the gift exchange. The dreaded gift exchange.
All the beans have entered their names into a hat for the gift exchange. As they each draw a name to see who they get to find a gift for, Cool Bean draws Beanadette J.’s name. She is one of the coolest beans in town and immediately, Cool Bean starts to feel the pressure. She is going to want something expensive and cool.
With no bean-bucks to spend and no luck finding anything on his treasure hunt, panic sets in. What will Cool Bean do? Ah-ha! Cool Bean decides he will be creative and make something for Beanadette J. and he’s quite proud of it, for the moment. As time passes, his self-esteem starts to fade and on the day of the party, his panic returns. I could totally relate to his emotions as he mingled in the party just waiting for the ball to drop.
This was a great book dealing with self-worth, stress, peer pressure and acceptance. I liked how the author dealt with Cool Beans emotions as they swung in every direction and Cool Bean didn’t have an easy way out. Definitely a 5-star read for me.
All the beans have entered their names into a hat for the gift exchange. As they each draw a name to see who they get to find a gift for, Cool Bean draws Beanadette J.’s name. She is one of the coolest beans in town and immediately, Cool Bean starts to feel the pressure. She is going to want something expensive and cool.
With no bean-bucks to spend and no luck finding anything on his treasure hunt, panic sets in. What will Cool Bean do? Ah-ha! Cool Bean decides he will be creative and make something for Beanadette J. and he’s quite proud of it, for the moment. As time passes, his self-esteem starts to fade and on the day of the party, his panic returns. I could totally relate to his emotions as he mingled in the party just waiting for the ball to drop.
This was a great book dealing with self-worth, stress, peer pressure and acceptance. I liked how the author dealt with Cool Beans emotions as they swung in every direction and Cool Bean didn’t have an easy way out. Definitely a 5-star read for me.
May 15, 2023
There are some decent puns in this one, but I thought the puns were slim compared to the main series books. I also made the assumption this was a winter story and missed the gifts on the front cover. Those aren't birthday gifts.
This is a Christmas season story. Oh well. I read it in May. It's my fault. It doesn't feel real Christmasy, so you probably can read it any time of the year.
The story is all about the pressure of finding a gift for someone. I hate that pressure. I don't want to get something useless, or something someone will hate. Giving a good gift is truly a lot of pressure. So the story has truth in it.
As far as these food group books by Jory John go, this is one of the weaker ones, but it was fine. I wonder if my nephew would have enjoyed it 5 years ago. Would he think the beans were cute or the story was boring because it wasn't funny??? I don't know. That time has passed.
This is a Christmas season story. Oh well. I read it in May. It's my fault. It doesn't feel real Christmasy, so you probably can read it any time of the year.
The story is all about the pressure of finding a gift for someone. I hate that pressure. I don't want to get something useless, or something someone will hate. Giving a good gift is truly a lot of pressure. So the story has truth in it.
As far as these food group books by Jory John go, this is one of the weaker ones, but it was fine. I wonder if my nephew would have enjoyed it 5 years ago. Would he think the beans were cute or the story was boring because it wasn't funny??? I don't know. That time has passed.
December 21, 2025
Absolutely brilliant book for kids at christmas. This book explores gift giving and the complications that can arise at christmas for many of us. I think this book teaches a valuable lesson about the value of gifts.
I was caught off guard by the message in this book because it wouldn't be something I'd consider telling a child; however I think in modern society this book is absolutely brilliant for teaching kids to stay creative and build something themselves. The art is brilliant and simple. I also think that the animated version on youtube by StoryTimeOutLoud would be brilliant to read.
The font is consistent throughout the book which as someone who is neurodivergent, I greatly appreciated. Some kids might find it overwhelming. There are some sections with coloured text- in orange.
Brilliant for winter, brilliant for schools and libraries and super good for that time of year. I think this would be a great book for primary schools to have in for little readers.
I was caught off guard by the message in this book because it wouldn't be something I'd consider telling a child; however I think in modern society this book is absolutely brilliant for teaching kids to stay creative and build something themselves. The art is brilliant and simple. I also think that the animated version on youtube by StoryTimeOutLoud would be brilliant to read.
The font is consistent throughout the book which as someone who is neurodivergent, I greatly appreciated. Some kids might find it overwhelming. There are some sections with coloured text- in orange.
Brilliant for winter, brilliant for schools and libraries and super good for that time of year. I think this would be a great book for primary schools to have in for little readers.
April 17, 2025
I was trying not to give a review, but this one has pulled me right on it.
Earlier today, I learned of this author and his books while searching online for shorts audiobook titles on the Libby app. He is a Wonder...
If you think the Pete the Cat series is a treat for kids, this author has a totally different style to Mesmerize young ones his own way.
This is my 3rd book and at page 6, this author had me like, "Witw?" Lol. Then, comes along ... Beanadenette 🥰.
Thru just keep getting better...
Earlier today, I learned of this author and his books while searching online for shorts audiobook titles on the Libby app. He is a Wonder...
If you think the Pete the Cat series is a treat for kids, this author has a totally different style to Mesmerize young ones his own way.
This is my 3rd book and at page 6, this author had me like, "Witw?" Lol. Then, comes along ... Beanadenette 🥰.
Thru just keep getting better...
January 28, 2026
Cool Bean is feeling a lot of pressure with the current holiday gift exchange. He has no money and has drawn Beanadette J., the coolest of the cool beans. Just when Cool Bean is beginning to panic, he gets the idea of making something creative. He draws a painting and it's a huge success. Yea! Another delightfully playful picture book in the popular The Food Group series with a terrific message about gift giving.
"I've realized that a gift is a gift, whether it's bought, found, or created from scratch."
"When in doubt, just make something."
"I've realized that a gift is a gift, whether it's bought, found, or created from scratch."
"When in doubt, just make something."
October 4, 2025
We're so proud of you for reading "As Cool As It Gets!" You learned something really special - that the best gifts come from your heart, not from a store. When you make something with love, like a drawing or a card, it's more special than anything you could buy. Next time you want to give someone a gift, remember you can create something beautiful with your own hands! That's what makes you cool, sweet girl. We love watching you learn and grow!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2025
The style of this book reminds me of Princess Truly. A little girl named Stella doesn't like going to bed at night and devises a plan to help the sun stay up so she can, too. It is a fun adventure of a little girl who is determined to make things happen. Kids will enjoy her positive spirit and the family interactions. I loved the page with the whole family reading together. It has colorful, engaging illustrations throughout. Highly recommended for Grades K-1.
December 13, 2025
I like it 🙌🏾
Would really be good to read during the holidays and birthdays and kids are worried about giving a gift.
The book is about creating something unique and original for someone. Making something and putting time and effort into it. Those types of gifts are special too. You don’t always have to spend money but you do have to care, spend time on it, and give it your best effort.
I would definitely read this to children before asking them to make homemade gifts for the holidays.
Would really be good to read during the holidays and birthdays and kids are worried about giving a gift.
The book is about creating something unique and original for someone. Making something and putting time and effort into it. Those types of gifts are special too. You don’t always have to spend money but you do have to care, spend time on it, and give it your best effort.
I would definitely read this to children before asking them to make homemade gifts for the holidays.
April 12, 2023
This is a cute book that could be read to students around the holiday times. The illustrations in this book are very colorful and detailed. I think students would enjoy reading or listening to this book. The main character in this story creates a craft to give as a gift. This is something that students could also do after reading this book.
October 20, 2023
I have been disappointed in this series. The first person narrative with all the thoughts from the main character's head seems too mature to me. And I really did not care for this one with the "Happy Holidays" and Christmas being all about giving the perfect gift. Linus from Charlie Brown does a lot better job of explaining what Christmas is all about.
April 6, 2025
Cool Bean bingung mau kasih hadiah apa untuk Beanadette J di acara tukar kado pesta natal. Karena enggak punya uang, dia pun melukis Beanadette J. Namun, dia insecure karena takut hadiahnya dianggap jelek. Apalagi saat acara tukar kado dimulai, tampaknya teman-temannya mendapatkan hadiah yang mahal-mahal. Apakah Beanadette J. menyukai hadiahnya?
April 27, 2024
Another cute read by Jory John. This was was especially cute because Cool Bean wanted to find the perfect gift. We get to follow him as he figures out what that means. It’s sweet story with cute illustrations as usual.
We would recommend.m it to everyone.
We would recommend.m it to everyone.
November 3, 2024
This was so cute. I loved the message that gifts don’t have to be expensive to be special but that it also means a lot - maybe more - when somebody takes the time to make something creative. Plus, I liked the Christmas setting!
February 27, 2025
(4☆ Would recommend)
Cute holiday story. I like the message that it teaches. That gifts don't have to be expensive to be enjoyed. "That a gift is a gift, whether it's bought, found, or created from scratch."
Cute holiday story. I like the message that it teaches. That gifts don't have to be expensive to be enjoyed. "That a gift is a gift, whether it's bought, found, or created from scratch."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
Do the beans live in Bean town? Anyway I like the relatable gift giving concept. This is a cute, fun, and simple holiday picture book.
Speaking of cool thanks Hoopla for having this book in your system.
Speaking of cool thanks Hoopla for having this book in your system.
October 5, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4
I do love this series of books and this one is cute. Illustrations are amazing as always and the message is good about making something for someone for the holidays.
I do love this series of books and this one is cute. Illustrations are amazing as always and the message is good about making something for someone for the holidays.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews