Highly recommended.
Young Brianna’s life isn’t exactly going to plan. She only has one friend at school. Her dad had to work out west, so she’s living with her mother and grandmother on lonely Princess Street. Her big feelings sometimes cause her to make mistakes and hurt people’s feelings. And to top it all off, everyone calls her Brianna Banana, a nickname she despises.
But if her teacher would only name her Helper of the Day, Brianna is certain her problems would be solved! “When you are Helper of the Day… they run to you like you are an important grade 3 bigwig.”
When newcomer Rumi gets the coveted position instead, Brianna is crushed. Through her disappointment, however, she kindly reaches out to support Rumi and make her feel included. Rumi picks Brianna to be her assistant, and Brianna’s awkward effervescence gets them both through the daunting task of navigating the unfamiliar second floor of the school to track down the big library, in order to complete their helper-task: dropping off the class’s books.
An early childhood educator, author Lana Button knows her audience well and it shows in this “small problems are a big deal” depiction of grade 3, and in the authentic dialogue as phrases trip off Brianna’s tongue imperfectly and comically, endearing us to the main character from the start.
I highly recommend this book for your young person, especially if they are struggling with their big feelings or know someone who is. As Brianna shows us, big feelings often go with a big heart.
By Lana Button, illustrated by Suharu Ogawa. Orca Book Publishers, $8.95 (96p) ISBN 9781459840010 Ages 6-8. This is the first in a three-book series. The second book, Brianna Banana: Worst Surprise Ever, is slated to be on bookshelves Oct. 14, 2025.
