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Book Review: Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas

By Aaron Blabey

By Amanda Elshahawi, Creator, Enchanted Literacy July 12, 2022

Recommended Age 3 - 7 years

There are many things that are important as a child. I frequently tell my daughter, that one of her main jobs is to play. Have fun, be silly and use your imagination. From that play comes learning. With that in mind – we absolutely love the hilarious book, Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas.

This playful, silly book is a simple and quick read, which I find particularly wonderful for a summer afternoon to keep things light. Brian, a friendly-looking piranha, has a hankering for fruit! Unlike his friends who much prefer feet over silver beets. Brian persists in trying to get his friends to try various fruits. Eventually giving in, the friends go into a piranha frenzy and gobble a fruit platter. Admittedly they enjoy it, but still prefer... bum! Brian is a lovable character who we loved to root for. This loose rhyming book will have your little ones guessing over the line and giggling at each page.

I particularly enjoyed the light tone for learning about a new creature. We were happy to discover that the Central Park Zoo has at least two Piranhas swimming about. But beware you don’t dip your fingers in while you peek! You can learn more about piranhas here. For further activities, you can make your own fruit platter, or a fish paper bag puppet!

Amanda is a preschool teacher, mother and avid Central Park picnicker. She values community and is an advocate for families in the foster care system. One day she hopes to publish a children's book of her own. In the meantime, you can follow her Instagram, Enchanted Literacy, which encourages imagination and passion for reading.