Banana

by Zoey Abbott (Author)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

A quirky and hilarious picture book parable about parental distraction and a daughter's clever solution.

My dad is the best.

We love hanging out together.

Recently, he got this banana. At first, we had a great time with the banana -- it does cool stuff and it's really fun.

But lately he's spending too much time with the banana. He's distracted, and he's not enjoying the things he used to enjoy, like hanging out with me.

I don't think this banana is good for him.

It's time to take action.

Zoey Abbott tackles parental distraction in a quirky and hilarious way in this parable about too much of a good thing. With her trademark wit and engaging illustrations, she introduces a very wise kid and a not-so-wise parent who eventually see eye to eye in a story that will delight readers of all ages.

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Hardcover
$18.99

Kirkus

A cautionary tale about overreliance on devices that's sure to be the apple of many readers' eyes.

Publishers Weekly

What happens when a single father's obsession comes between him and his child? In a metaphorical picture book by Abbott (Pig and Horse and the Something Scary), the item is a growing oblong fruit. As the pages open, the white-presenting parent and child share wonderful times. After a swim at the pool, "I do Dad's hair. Then he makes me into a burrito." Loose pencil drawings and risograph printing tinted in reds, yellows, and blues give the pages a handcrafted feel. When the two stop at a banana store one day and Dad "cannot resist" a purchase, things are good for a while: "We take the Banana everywhere," the child says, as the two are shown feeding it a sandwich. But as the banana balloons to alarming proportions, Dad's attention is consumed by it. At the pool, it looms on the deck chair, physically separating the duo. It's time for decisive action, and the youth's next move is both simple and final. It's a visually striking allegory about the dismay and jealousy a child may feel over change--and this young protagonist's triumph gives the tale a sense of dark, unexpected gratification. Ages 3-7. Agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. (Mar.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes



Zoey Abbott
ZOEY ABBOTT is a graduate in Women's Studies and History from Smith College. She spent four years living and painting in Japan. Zoey is the author and illustrator of I Do Not Like Yolanda and she currently lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, kids and two dogs: Carrots and Maple. Zoey has nothing against bananas. She likes them, actually! They also happen to be one of the only fruits that do not make her throat and ears itch.

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780735271418
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Tundra Books (NY)
Publication date
March 07, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV013060 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Parents
Library of Congress categories
-

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