Vera is not happy about Ruthie, her new baby sister: “That baby fills up the whole house . . . there is no room for me” (10). Grandfather distracts Vera by helping her build a backyard “bean tent.” As the beans grow, Vera appreciates this secret place. In the fall she gathers seeds from the bean pods so she can cre ate another bean tent in the spring. The last page shows Vera’s reconciliation with Ruthie, who is now a toddler. It’s spring, and Vera has created two bean tents side-by-side so the sisters can share this magic space. chs

Vera heard the baby crying as they passed her bedroom window.
How could anyone like that loud, smelly thing?

Where can Vera find some peace and quiet with a new baby in the house?

Now that Vera's baby sister, Ruthie, has arrived, Vera feels there's no place left in the house for her. The baby is loud and smelly, and she fills up every room. Vera wants nothing to do with Ruthie. When Grandpa comes up with a plan to make a special bean tent for Vera out in the yard, Vera is all for it. Of course, as beans and vines grow, so, too, do babies-and who knows where that might lead?

In her signature style, Vera Rosenberry explores another pivotal childhood experience in this honest and funny story.