The Day The Banana Went Bad
Food With Feelings Series
What’s inside...
This children's book tells the story of a banana who, after getting a bruise, is deemed 'bad' and is about to be thrown away. However, the banana, along with other 'bad' fruits and vegetables, decides to take action and prove that they are not bad, just different. It's a tale of acceptance, self-worth, and friendship. When Banana is thrown into the 'reject' bin with the other mis-shapen fruit and veg, he decides that enough is enough - after all, he may be a little bit bruised but that doesn't mean he's any less brilliant! So be proud of your bumps! And celebrate what makes you different! Because going bad can sometimes be very, very good. A fantastically funny book about loving what makes you YOU!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the banana felt bad about going bad?
What would you do if you were the banana and started to feel different?
How did the other fruits react to the banana, and what does that teach us about friendship?
Can you think of a time when something didn't go as planned, like the banana’s plan, and how did you handle it?
What do you think is the main message of this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voice and facial expressions to mimic the emotions of the banana and other characters while reading.
Pause after important events in the story to give your child a moment to think and express their thoughts on what might happen next.
Connect the book’s themes to your child’s experiences, asking if they’ve ever felt similar to the banana and discussing how they managed their feelings.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite part of the story, deepening their connection and understanding of the narrative.
After reading, ask your child to think about what they would add to the story, or how they might change it, to foster creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: The story portrays the banana feeling different after beginning to bruise, highlighting the challenges of self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and celebrate their unique traits and qualities, even those that make them feel different from others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Despite feeling unappealing, the banana finds new ways to be useful and happy, teaching children about resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to find positive aspects and strength in themselves during challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: As the banana seeks new roles beyond its usual purpose, the story showcases creative thinking and innovation.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to think creatively about how to use their abilities in new and different ways.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Other fruits and characters support the banana, emphasizing the value of friends in overcoming personal challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek and value supportive friendships that help them grow and face life's challenges.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Stereotypes
Explanation: The banana challenges the typical view of how a fruit should look and behave, addressing the issue of stereotypes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not judging others based on appearances or preconceived notions.