If I Was a Banana
What’s inside...
This boy's-eye-view of the everyday brings alive all the wonder and oddity of the world inside our own heads. It is simple and funny but resonates long afterward, and begs to be read again. If I was a banana, I would be that one, so beautifully yellow and full of banana. If I was an elephant I think I would have to be very careful where I put my feet. If I was a spoon I would be perfectly shaped and worn, with the silver fading in all the right places.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy
Discussion points
If you could be any fruit for a day, which one would you choose and why?
How do you think the boy feels when he imagines being different fruits?
What does this story teach us about being unique or different?
Can you think of a time when you felt like something else, maybe an animal or a superhero?
Which fruit in the story would you like to learn more about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination, just like the boy in the book. Ask them to describe or even draw their chosen fruit and explain what it would be like to be that fruit for a day. Validate their feelings and thoughts as they relate to the themes of uniqueness and imagination presented in the book. To deepen the discussion, relate the story's concept to personal experiences or real-life situations where they felt different or special.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of uniqueness
Explanation: The protagonist imagines being various everyday items, each with unique characteristics, showing children that individuality is valuable.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique traits and those of others, fostering a sense of self-worth and empathy.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The book allows the child to explore being different objects, which encourages creative thinking and imaginative play.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in imaginative play, which enhances problem-solving skills and encourages innovation in real-world scenarios.
Example Lesson: Perspective taking
Explanation: By imagining life as different objects, the child in the story learns to see the world from various viewpoints, promoting an understanding of different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy and improve their social interactions, as they consider how others might feel or think.
Example Lesson: Joy in simple things
Explanation: The story highlights joy in conceptualizing oneself as simple, everyday items, emphasizing happiness in life's basic elements.
Real-World Application: Children learn to find happiness in everyday situations and objects, promoting a positive and grateful attitude.