Richard Scarry's Smallest Pop-up Book Ever!: Bananas Gorilla (Scarry's Smallest Pop-up Ever)
Richard Scarry'S Smallest Pop-Up Books Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
This is one of a series of small pop-up books designed to fit the tiniest hand or pocket. In this story, Bananas Gorilla is pursued by Sergeant Murphy, who slips on a banana peel just as he catches Bananas Gorilla stealing bananas from a grocery store. This sets off a chain of slapstick events in this diminutive pop-up book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
10 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Bananas Gorilla loves bananas so much?
What would you do if you had a magical pop-up surprise like in the book?
How do you think the other characters feel about Bananas Gorilla's antics?
What is the most surprising thing that popped up in the book? Why did it surprise you?
If you could create your own pop-up page, what would it look like and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to describe their favorite part of the story and why it stood out to them.
Use expressive reading techniques, such as varying your voice tone and volume, to bring the pop-up characters to life during storytelling.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss the drawing with them, focusing on the elements they chose to include.
Relate the themes or situations in the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, enhancing their ability to empathize and understand different perspectives.
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them what they would add to the story if they could change or include anything.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: Bananas Gorilla shares his bananas with others, demonstrating the value of generosity.
Real-World Application: Children learn that sharing their toys or snacks can make playtime more enjoyable and foster friendships.
Example Lesson: Effects of Greed
Explanation: Through the narrative, the character's initial greediness leads to problems, teaching children the consequences of being selfish.
Real-World Application: Kids can relate this to everyday situations where not sharing or being overly possessive can lead to conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Resolving Conflicts
Explanation: Characters in the book work through a dispute over the bananas, showing problem-solving in action.
Real-World Application: This can help children think of peaceful ways to resolve disagreements instead of resorting to arguments or fights.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The characters realize the strength of their friendships by the end of the book, despite earlier conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of maintaining friendships and the joys that come with having friends.