My Dog Banana
My Dog Banana
Why doesn’t she bark?
She went to the best
obedience school.
She’s very well trained.
While out for a stroll with his “dog” Banana, a young boy attracts a curious crowd questioning why he is literally walking a yellow banana on a leash. He defends his pet which he claims has the same emotions and capabilities as all other dogs. The crowd grows and erupts into laughter. Their laughter quickly turns into incredulous stares and looks of disbelief as the banana dog lets out a bark when the boy walks away.
The dramatic and expressive looks on characters’ faces can lead one to understanding what is happening throughout the story. However, the questions and responses from characters in the text enhance the ridiculousness and will likely make a young audience laugh-out-loud.
My Dog Banana would make a great addition to any early school-aged child’s school or home library. The picture book is strongly recommended as a read-aloud by a reader using over-the-top expression. The more exaggerated the read-aloud, the more likely the audience will be laughing and wishing to have it read again.
Andrea Boyd is an early years’ teacher in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is currently pursuing her Master of Education degree specializing in Language and Literacy at the University of Manitoba.