PPBF – Bravo, Avocado!

After all of the sweet Halloween treats this week, I think something savory is in order. I hope you agree and enjoy this Perfect Picture Book!

Title: Bravo, Avocado!

Written By: Chana Stiefel

Illustrated By: Anna Süßbauer

Publisher/Date: Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers/2023

Suitable for Ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: positive self-image, talents, humor, puns, food, SEL

Opening:

Avocado perched on the edge of her crate.

The day was ripe with possibilities.

The sights! The smells! The signs!

Zesty lemons! Juicy peaches! Sweet corn?

Brief Synopsis:

Avocado wants to be special, and journeys through the market to discover how she shines.

Links to Resources:

• Take a trip to a Farmer’s Market or grocery and find items that you think are special;
• Make and enjoy guacamole with your family.

Why I Like this Book:

Bravo, Avocado! is a pun-filled, humorous journey of discovery in the market. Every child (and, let’s face it, every adult) wants to feel special and have others recognize their special talents and/or attributes. When Avocado realizes that every other fruit and vegetable on nearby displays are special, she sets off to figure out what makes her shine. Through a series of punny and funny encounters that will have adults and kids laughing aloud, she discovers the attributes that made her special all along.

Süßbauer’s colorful depictions of the produce are a terrific complement to Stiefel’s text.

A Note about Craft:

Stiefel’s pun-filled text makes this a picture book that adults and children will want to read multiple times. It’s evident that she uses vocabulary that’s perfect for the subject matter. My daughter and 17-month old grandson both enjoy the humor, with “Oh. My. Gourd.” fast becoming a favorite saying in their household.

This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!