I enjoyed reading Anna Banana and Me. After reading this book I made the assumption that Anna Banana is an imaginary friend. Although the book never states that, it feels like she exist to help a young boy become brave. Throughout the story Anna conveniently appears wherever the young boy is and leaves after they are done playing. She always ends the play with good bye and leaves suddenly. I enjoyed how the author makes Anna the leader and decision maker to guide the shy child to do things that he wouldn’t do on his own. For example, on the first adventure Anna leads the boy underneath a bench where “no one has ever been”, indicating a new adventure for him. He later meets up with Anna in his apartment building and states that “we climb many stairs to a hall full of shadows, where I never go.” Anna pushes this child to do things that he would typically be afraid to do, but with Anna he always finds courage.
I liked the illustrations and their ability to provide clues that Anna was imaginative. For example, throughout the story Anna and the boy wear the same clothes and have the same color hair. Also everything that Anna does, the boy mirrors or copies it but doesn’t do it as well as Anna. The majority of the story takes place outdoors where the author added great detail to provide a more realistic image. For example, the first adventure takes place in the park where there are squirrels playing, people walking, a man reading on a bench, and each thing has its own shadow. The illustrations use lines mostly straight lines to create each image, which helps create dimension and depth. The big idea of the story is that if you believe you can accomplish something than you can. The boy wanted to be brave and created Anna to help him overcome anything fearful. Ultimately, by altering your mind, you can alter your life. ( )

Anna Banana shares her magic with her new friend when he needs it.

Age:3

Source: Pierce College ECE