This low-key, whimsical exploration of imagination repays repeat readings
If I Was a Banana
This boy’s-eye-view of the everyday brings alive all the wonder and oddity of the world inside our own heads.
Simple, funny children’s book for ages 3-5
Written by Alexandra Tylee and illustrated by Kieran Rynhart
Available as an ebook wherever you buy your ebooks
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Description
If I Was a Banana beautifully captures the magic that a child can find in common objects and day-to-day encounters—bananas, clouds, toys, breakfast, stars.
Each of these simple things sparks a new train of thought, and the result is a gorgeous mix of the poetic and the prosaic which will touch the child—and the heart—in all of us.
A book for kids ages 3-5
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Book Details
Country of Origin New Zealand Reader Age 2-5 year, 5-7 year Book Size ISBN
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Reviews
Available worldwide from your local bookstore or online.
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Book Council (NZ) –
It is a perfect book for sharing and could open up deeper discussion about taking time to notice and appreciate the things around us each day.
NZ Poetry Box –
If you like beautiful writing and illustrations that give you goosebumps then this is the book for you.
Booksellers NZ –
Julia Marshall and her team are doing extremely good, and important work. Long may they reign.
Book Trailers 4 Kids and YA –
Even in a world of fantasy and make-believe, the earthy colours give the story a grounding and make it seem real and possible to be whatever you want to be.
Youth Services Book Review –
The flight of fancy that the young boy displays throughout the book is charming.
Tall, Short, Tiny & a Pickle –
If I Was a Banana is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read in a long, long time. It’s beautiful to read, and the illustrations are sublime.
Bookrapt (NZ) –
The poetic style of writing is beautifully matched with Kieran Rynhart’s skilful illustrations.
Bob’s Book Blog –
I shall be watching this one when Award time comes round next year.
Reviews Coming at YA (US) –
Through each “If I was” scenario, the voice of the narrator begins to echo children around this age–full of questions and curiosity. The vast imagination is met with gorgeous illustrations that express the child’s wonder and portray each animal or object with precise likeness. Perfect for young readers who like to dream and think about the “what ifs” on a lazy afternoon.
Storywraps (CAN) –
This book perfectly encapsulates a child’s voice and world view… The words and illustrations work perfectly together to make a whole greater than its parts.
Reading Is Our Thing (NZ) –
The ordinary becomes extraordinary through the eyes of a curious child. Tyler’s story and Rynhart’s illustrations work hand in hand to honour this truth.
Kirkus Reviews (US) –
A New Zealand import, this low-key, whimsical exploration of imagination repays repeat readings…those who share the unnamed narrator’s quirky viewpoint will be pleased to discover that they aren’t the only ones who wonder.