Banana by Ed Vere
Contributed By Stories Of Us Age 0-1, Age 2, Age 3, Age 4, Age 5 Ed Vere Compassion, Emotional Intelligence, Friendliness, Manners, Problem Solving, Sharing, Working with Others
March 30, 2017
Getting what you want can be tricky, especially if you don't ask in quite the right way. Follow one little monkey's journey through many emotions as he tries every trick in the book to get hold of his friend's banana, until he finally hits on the magic word – please! Using only two words, this is a fantastic introduction to the value of manners and compromise for young children. Packed with humour, colour and exuberance, this is a brilliant observation of toddler behaviour.
- Minimum Reading Time: 15 mins
- Est. Time for All Activities: 1 hr 30 mins
- Yields: Read, Talk, Sing, Play
Ingredients
READ, TALK, SING, PLAY
SING - The Banana Song
TALK - Transition to Book
READ - Story Time 15 Minutes
TALK - Discuss the Story
PLAY - Bananas
Ingredients can be used in any order for any duration of time. Set aside at least 1 hour for the play activities.
Reading PREPARATION
Preview the book before reading it with your child. Flip through the pages. Notice the pictures.
Select a designated read-aloud area. This area should be inviting and comfortable. Try to use the same area every time to build a routine.
Story Seasoning: This book is full beautiful pictures. As the reader you decide how to tell this story by the words you use. If reading this book to children under the age of one, use short and simple sentences. For children older than two, try introducing new vocabulary throughout the story (example: try using the word chimpanzee, selfish, sharing, startled, surprised, etc.).
Add Reading Sweeteners: Use big dramatic gestures as you tell this story. Mimic your child’s behavior when they are having a temper tantrum.
Avoid Problem Peppercorns: While engaged in the storytelling recipe remove any distractions that might compromise your time with your child.
Directions
JUMP TO: SING · TALK · READ · TALK · PLAY
SING
1Option 1: Please and Thank You
2Option 2: The Banana Song (Lyrics can be found in the video description box.) This song features monkeys, bananas, counting, and introduces left/right movement distinctions.
3Play the song with your child and let them listen to the words. The second time through, invite them to move along with the song with you. You can clap your hands, nod your head, move side to side. Just about any movement works.
4As they learn this simple song, sing along with them. When the song ends, ask your child for a hug and say please. Once the hug is received say thank you.
TALK (Transition from singing to book reading)
1Hold up the book you are going to read. Tell your child has the word “please” in it (or features monkeys and bananas) just like the song they head.
2Point to the monkey on the cover. Ask do you know what this is? Wait no more than 3-5 seconds before gleefully jumping in with the answer. It’s a monkey and they sound like this (make a monkey sound).
3Redirect their attention back to the book cover. Then say “I’m going to read a book, called “Banana”. Hmmmmm I wonder what this story is about?” Make up a silly answer to your question, then ask the child in a casual tone, similar to what you would use in a conversation – “what do you think its about?” Show the child the front and back of the book. Use the pictures as clues to further guess what the story could involve.
4Transition into reading by saying “Well let’s find out what this story is about.”
READ 15 Minutes
1Tell a story that connects with the pictures on the page.
2Parent Sugar: if you’re child is able, invite them to join in with you as you tell the story. They can turn the pages, as you make noises that complement the story (such as laughter, talking, screaming, fear, relief, etc.). You child may join in with you, or choose to enjoy listening to you. Both options are wonderful.
3Add a generous amount of Story Seasoning: Read in a lively, engaging way, using voices, gestures, and expressions as you bring each page to life.
4If your child is bilingual, or multilingual you can also blend in other languages as you create this story. Or tell this story entirely in a different language, since it’s nearly wordless, you and another reader can take turns telling a new story with the book in a different language.
5At the end of the story announce, “The End” as you close the book.
TALK
1Discuss the story with your child. Open the book up again, and show them which page was your favorite and what you liked most about your story time with them.
2Share a moment that just happened during the story time you spent together. Then ask them which page was their favorite, and what they liked most about the story.
3Compliment your child on something they did well during the read aloud. How they participated, how they laughed, how they listened. Pick anything, and celebrate them for it.
PLAY
1Banana Recipes, select a recipe and go banana’s with your child.
Publisher
Penguin Books
Publication
2010
Star Rating
4.3 (Amazon); 3.8 (Goodreads)
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