Creating characters is my favorite part of writing stories. (I have a background in acting, and losing yourself in a character is the best kind of escape!) Brianna Banana’s voice comes out clear as a bell when I’m writing her stories. Honestly, that kid is hilarious, and I never know what she’s going to do or say next. How fun is that?
My main goal, when writing stories, is to entertain my reader. And when I imagine Brianna’s ideal reader, I imagine a kid who enjoys stories told in short chapters. And in the case of the Brianna Banana series, the reader who enjoys a predictable story layout, as each book takes us through of one full day of school. These books are designed for kids who like to laugh. Because this girl gets herself into some over-the-top school scenarios.
Beyond the entertainment factor, I love the power a story can have in the reader’s social-emotional development. (I also have a background in early childhood education and have forever been drawn to helping kids with their emotions.)
The magic of a story starts when a young reader has an emotional connection with the character and can examine their own life situation in comparison with the plot. I believe that the little things are the big things when it comes to kids maneuvering through an elementary school day, from who passes out papers to who played with you at recess. I put a very-big-feelings character in these modern-day typical school scenarios in hopes that some children will feel seen and understood, and that some children will have a bit more understanding of the kid who sits beside them.
I like to say that books can offer emotional cross-training. If a young reader connects with a character who has struggles similar to their own (in Brianna’s case, remaining calm when overcome with big feelings, remaining patient, focusing on a task, etc.), they can experience success through the character’s growth in the story and can develop a script that can lead them to more success in their own lives. This same story can allow another child to develop a deeper understanding of someone in their lives with increased compassion and empathy.
All in 12 short chapters, and hopefully with a lot of laughs along the way! These stories work great in the hands of a young independent reader and are also great class read-alouds. I hope educators check out the awesome teacher guidelines that accompany every Brianna Banana book.
Lana Button is an early childhood educator and the author of more than a dozen books for children, including Stay My Baby, Tough Like Mum, Brianna Banana, Helper of the Day and the Kitty and Friends series. Her books have been shortlisted for the Blue Spruce Award, Shining Willow Award, IODE Jean Throop Book Award and Rainforest of Reading, and they have been recognized as Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books and an IBBY Outstanding Book for Young Children. Lana is a former actress who considers every read-aloud a mini performance. When not writing new stories, Lana spends her time traveling to schools and festivals to share her passion for social-emotional literacy. She lives in Burlington, Ontario.
