Avocado Baby
by John Burningham
Interest age: 3 to 7
Reading age: 5+
Published by Red Fox Picture Books, 1982
About this book
In these days of smashed avocado on toast and guacamole with everything, the premise of Avocado Baby doesn't seem too far-fetched. But there must have been extra giggles when the book first came out – in 1982 – that such a random and exotic fruit was the star of the show.
For Mr and Mrs Hargreaves' new baby is the fussy kind and doesn't seem to want to eat anything. This is a worry, since EVERYONE in the Hargreaves' household is fairly 'weak' and useless.
However, when the baby discovers the mushy delights of the avocado pear, it unleashes an appetite they never knew was there. And with every avocado, the baby grows bigger and stronger – in fact, a lot bigger and stronger than anyone could have guessed...
There's no real takeaway message, here – Avocado Baby is just a total joy. Its surreal, off-kilter humour will have parents and children chuckling with delight: from the baby chasing away a burglar to fighting off a gang of bullies. This is all tied together beautifully by the simple ink and watercolour drawings, which bring out the baby's hilarious expressions. And look out for the endpapers...
About the author
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Granpa
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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...