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