Bravo, Avocado!

by Chana Stiefel, Anna Suessbauer (Illustrator)

Overview

“­An enjoyable story about friendship and positive self-image, this is one to consider for picture book collections.” —School Library Journal

Avocado longs to be Today’s Special in this vibrant, pun-filled picture book by Chana Stiefel and Anna Süßbauer about self-discovery and the value of uplifting your friends.

Avocado wants to stand out, but nothing seems to be working. With the help of her friends, she self-reflects and discovers that all along she was special. This social emotional learning story will help young readers to develop relationship skills and self-awareness. Perfect for fans of Dragons Love Tacos and The Food Group stories.

It’s a delightful day at the Farmer’s Market. Zesty limes! Juicy peaches! Sweet corn! But Avocado has a pit in her stomach. She longs to be Today’s Special.

Strolling through the aisles, Avocado asks her farm-fresh friends to help her discover what makes her stand out. Tomato offers to teach her salsa. Pumpkin proposes funny faces. Garlic suggests she add some zing! Nothing seems to work until—Ding ding!—the bright and shiny Toaster inspires Avocado to reflect more deeply.

Chana Stiefel’s heartwarming text blends with Anna Süßbauer’s eye-popping illustrations spark sweet and meaningful conversations about self-discovery and friendship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063076983
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	03/28/2023
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	111,887
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Chana Stiefel finds something special every time she visits the farmer's market. Usually, it’s the people. She loves to write punny and poignant picture books at her home in the Garden State. Visit her at www.chanastiefel.com.

Anna Süßbauer loves creating vibrant illustrations for picture books inspired by her love of silly jokes. She loves avocados—and dogs! Anna lives in Cologne, Germany. Visit her at www.apfelhase.de.

Editorial Reviews

­An enjoyable story about friendship and positive self-image, this is one to consider for picture book collections.”
— School Library Journal

From the Publisher

04/01/2023

PreS-Gr 2—An adorable avocado longs to be a Daily Special in this fun, pun-filled story from Stiefel. Set in a cheery, colorful farmer's market, affable Avocado sees all the descriptive signs around her—Zesty Lemons! Juicy Peaches!—and sets off on a quest to discover what would make her a Daily Special, too. Her friends all have suggestions: Tomato suggests salsa lessons, Olive and Vinegar think she just needs some dressing, but they're all missing the mark. Toaster comes to the rescue by inviting Avocado to peer at herself in Toaster's shiny surface, letting Avocado see her wonderful characteristics. Bolstered by her friends, Avocado writes her own Daily Special sign—and helps another friend struggling with their image. Punny humor makes this a read-aloud choice that parents and kids alike will enjoy, and Suessbauer's bright, bold artwork featuring a friendly and expressive cast of foodstuffs will delight readers. End papers feature a charming cast of characters to greet readers when they open the book. VERDICT An enjoyable story about friendship and positive self-image, this is one to consider for picture book collections.—Rosemary Kiladitis

School Library Journal

2022-12-14
A food-based frolic focused on acceptance.

Noticing a sign for “Today’s Specials” at the farmers market, Avocado longs to be special, too, and tries to discover what sets her apart. She attempts dancing lessons with Tomato, pulling funny faces with Pumpkin, and even a makeover, but nothing works. When Avocado cries out in exasperation, she summons none other than Toaster, who tells Avocado to look in the mirror and find what about her is already special. It works, and Avocado scrawls a sign with all her good points, such as her bravery and generosity, all for the low price of $1. Given that the goal is purchase and consumption, Avocado’s mission, taken to its logical conclusion, feels a bit off. (Fortunately, while human legs and hands of varied skin tones travel across the pages, no foods ever leave the story for a shopper’s basket.) Attentive readers may wish all the characters sought acceptance for their own community gain instead of for sales appeal. Still, those able to detach from this subtext will enjoy the ride and find conversation starters about self-worth. Bright, chunky art has wide appeal, and the rampant food puns will entertain adults even if they are lost on children. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Well intentioned though slightly off-kilter in its messaging. (Picture book. 4-6)

Kirkus Reviews