Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas

Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-578-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Brian is an unusual piranha. He enjoys eating fruit and vegetables. And even though the rest of the piranhas think he’s crazy, Brian is determined to get his friends to try them.

I love everything this author produces and this light-hearted picture book is no exception. Here, Blabey’s sense of humour is perfectly pitched to grab the attention of all, from toddlers through to early primary aged children.

‘Or would you rather a bowl of peas?’

‘Stop it Brian. We eat knees.’

The muddy green piranhas are wonderfully drawn, with expressive eyes and mouth. The brightly coloured fruit and vegetables contrast with skin toned feet, knees and other body parts of unwary swimmers as Brian tries to tempt the other piranhas with his fruit platter.

The simplicity of the story-line and text reads well with a catchy rhythm and great rhyme, perfect for reading aloud. The repetitive element which runs through the story will appeal to young children, while older readers will be happy to read this book as many times as they are asked. The ending will have all readers, young and old, giggling each time.

Please don’t overlook the end-papers which give definitions - Blabley’s anyway- of both piranhas and bananas.

I’m sure every preschooler will be able to guess which body part Brian’s friends all like best!