★ “Readers will root for Brianna, while perhaps understanding why she has so few friends. A flawed but sympathetic character worthy of readers’ love.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
In Lana Button’s new chapter book, nine-year-old Brianna is convinced she will finally make a friend in her class if she is chosen to be classroom helper, but the new girl, Rumi, is picked instead! Hear from Lana about what inspired her to write Brianna Banana, Helper of the Day and what her nickname was growing up.
What inspired you to write Brianna Banana, Helper of the Day?
I’ve written several picture books and am a big fan of the Orca Echoes series. I was inspired to write an early chapter book that kids could pick up and read independently. I love the idea of making kids laugh out loud from a story they read to themselves.
What was your favorite part about writing Brianna’s story? Do you have a favorite scene in the book?
Brianna is such a fun character. Letting her loose and seeing what kind of trouble she gets herself into and out of is so much fun! I had a blast writing the scene where Brianna tries to get Rumi’s attention while Mrs. Newberry is teaching. I cheered when Rumi made her pick. Plus, Mr. Tilly’s keister scene cracked me up. I really hope this first Brianna story makes kids giggle (and makes them reach for book 2!).
Brianna’s voice is so funny and such a delight to read! Where did you draw inspiration from for some of her go-to phrases?
Thank you so much! When writing Brianna Banana I use many phrases I heard growing up in my small maritime hometown.
Brianna has some learning difficulties in the classroom and can have a hard time making friends. Why was it important for you to show a character like Brianna that experiences those challenges?
Life is full of challenges and I respect that my young audience is maneuvering through their own social situations while tackling academics and life at home. I hope my audience can relate to Brianna and insert themselves into her desire to succeed both socially and academically at school.
In some ways, Brianna is the “bad kid” in her grade 3 class. What do you hope readers will learn after reading Brianna’s story?
We all want friends and want (and deserve!) to feel included. I hope readers relate to Brianna’s desire for friendship, and her efforts to do well in class and get along with her peers. Because the audience has insight into Brianna’s thoughts and feelings, we get to see the “why” of a behavior. I hope these stories not only make kids laugh out loud, but also create feelings of empathy and understanding toward others.
Growing up, did you have a nickname like Brianna? And if you did, how did you feel about it?
My first name is Lana. Which coincidently rhymes with…sigh.
My mother assured me that Lana Banana was just a fun name to say. I didn’t believe her at first. But after a while I recognized that people weren’t making fun of me—they were saying it as an endearment.
What can we expect from Brianna next, as her adventures continue?
I can’t wait to share book 2 and book 3, where Brianna Banana continues her quest to be Helper of the Day and to make friends in Room 109.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I want to wish my young readers the best of luck in school. And when you have a day that’s as stinky as old cat farts, remember that tomorrow will be better and that belly breaths really do work!

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 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 travelling to schools and festivals to share her passion for social-emotional literacy. She lives in Burlington, Ontario.