Why the Banana Split

Very cute book and great word play. I'm going to use it with 8th graders to teach vivid verb examples.

This delightful book is filled with a play on words and my granddaughter loves my reading it to her, then asks to have it read again & again. I'd heard of this author, Rick Walton, at a Conference I attended this summer (recommended by the professor) & have found his books to be excellent.

Filled with puns that are sure to keep children laughing out loud, this is the return of the book that is just plain fun to read. With illustrations as humorous as the puns themselves it is an opportunity to celebrate the joy of silliness with your children. Why the Banana Split is a highly recommended purchase for young children.

The cover of this book had my attention with its witty title and silly banana cowboy running across the cover. The title also makes you want to find out why the banana "split." So, I started to read Rick Walton's word-play adventure. He has created over thirty books for kids and he loves to travel with his family. Whenever they get the chance, they love to visit Yellowstone or Disneyland. They also love to eat bananas. Jimmy Holder has created a unique form of art from a comical standpoint. His art has a motion all of its own and you can feel the emotions of the characters as they scream, run, skedaddle and exit the vicinity of the voracious dinosaur's presence. As he looms above the streets with his tiny green suitcase, you can't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. First, you see a town of people absolutely motionless with fingers pointing up into the air, then you see everyone start to run. "Rex" just grins and seems to be enjoying the mayhem. Then, they all scream: "Run Away! Run Away." Next thing you know, the jump ropes have eyes and eyelashes and are skipping town. Bananas peel out of town and frogs hop a train. The frogs are especially adorable as they almost seem to be quivering in fear and leaping into a yellow train. The page about trees and water reminded me of something from Lord of the Rings. Next, all the boots take a hike on their own and knives cut up vegetables as they run. "Why are you all running away?" asked Rex. "We don't want you to eat us." "But I only eat fruit!" said Rex So, everyone returns and then you turn the page: "All except for the bananas." Who are all running around on the freeway in a state of utmost despair. It is quite witty, very funny and will even make parents grin. ~The Rebecca Review

This highly entertaining tale describes how a town's inhabitants react when Rex the dinosaur arrives. Everyone has a unique way of reacting to the great big dinosaur with huge teeth. But the author's description of HOW the town reacts is what makes this story a true delight. Children will be delighted with the detailed and action-packed illustrations. Adults, however, may be surprised to find the pun-filled story line is as entertaining for them as for the intended 4 to 8-year-old reading audience. A true masterpiece of plays on language, parents will find themselves wanting to read this story again and again to their children -- and themselves!