Avocado Asks
by Momoko Abe
Interest age: 4 to 8
Published by Hachette Children's, 2020
About this book
Avocado is quite happy in the supermarket until he hears a child ask her mother an awkward question: is an avocado a fruit or a vegetable? Suddenly, Avocado really needs to know the answer.
He heads off through the supermarket on a quest to find out what he is, but nobody knows. Luckily, he meets another fruit/vegetable who explains that it doesn't matter a bit if others struggle to fit him into a category - Avocado is amazing whatever he is.
The final pictures remind the reader that many, many objects are not easily categorised – but does it make them less valuable? Not at all.
This clever, funny book carries some punchy, essential messages for those whose identity is complex or mixed. The illustrations are full of humour, which lightens what could be a heavy topic.
This is a great read for carers to share with children and could prompt discussion far beyond the intended reading age. By making the story about an avocado, rather than about gender or race, for example, the story becomes applicable to many situations, and nurseries and schools should therefore find it a good investment for an inclusive library.
More books like this
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Papa Penguin
by Lindsay Camp, illustrated by Momoko Abe
4 to 7 years
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Books Make Good Pets
by John Agard, illustrated by Momoko Abe
4 to 9 years
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Porridge Please!
by Laura Mucha, illustrated by Marc Boutavant
4 to 9 years
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When Tad Kicked Vlad
by Julian Gough, illustrated by Ross Collins
4 to 9 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Books about fruit and vegetables
It can be difficult to persuade little ones to eat their greens or munch on some fruit - but books might help! We've put together a list of lovely stories that either have themes of healthy eating or feature plant-based characters. So whether you want to promote the power of avocados or learn all about a veggie vampire, you'll find books to make little tummies rumble here...