Summary
Highlights
The story introduces Beansville, where all beans live harmoniously until Laya and her family arrive. Laya is depicted as a 'mean bean' who often yells at her younger sister and misbehaves in school, disrupting her classmates and being told off by her mother and teacher.
Laya's negative behavior leads to her not being chosen to play with other beans, making her sad. When Susie tries to cheer her up, Susie ends up crying, and thereafter, no one attempts to sit with Laya again. The other beans in Beansville discuss how mean Laya is, calling her a bully and expressing their disapproval of her unkindness.
The story reveals that Laya wasn't always mean. She became grouchy and unkind after her baby sister, Hannah, was born. Laya was jealous of the attention Hannah received and felt sad and angry about no longer being an only child.
One evening, Laya asks her mom if she is still her favorite child. Her mom reassures her, explaining that she loves both Laya and Hannah equally, comparing it to Laya's love for both her parents. Her mom expresses sadness over their constant fighting and wishes for them to be best friends, loving and protecting each other.
Reassured by her mother's words, Laya transforms her behavior. The next day, she shares with, hugs, and expresses her love for her sister. She also apologizes to her friends at school, promising to be a kinder and more loving bean. As a result, all the beans in Beansville truly live together as one again.