Benji and the 24 Pound Banana Squash

Description

A story for anyone who has ever had a dream of doing something really, really big. In this delightful tale, Benji wants to grow the biggest banana squash ever. In spring, when the soil is soft, he plants the seeds he has saved from the previous summer. He waters and waits, anxiously watching over the plant as the tiny squash begins to grow. Each day he lovingly measures its progress. On harvest day, the squash has grown so gigantic from all his love and attention that Benji can barely carry it. When the squash is cooked up with butter and brown sugar, everyone in the family enjoys a mouth-watering, homegrown treat. This charming garden-to-table story not only teaches children where food comes from, but also that patience and nurturing pay off with delicious rewards. With beautiful, often humorous, illustrations, everyone will want to read this charming book over and over again.

Alan C. Fox is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, relationships expert, and The New York Times bestselling author of three books for adults that provide advice for living a happier, more successful live. His much-loved children's book, Benji and the 24 Pound Banana Squash, the first in the Benji series, was recently published by Clavis Publishing. Alan, who enjoys reading, writing, poetry, and the beach, lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife. He has six children and two stepchildren, and is the proud grandfather of eight. Eefje Kuijl (Breda, the Netherlands, 1978) studied Illustration at the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht (HKU University of the Arts). Since she graduated she works with pleasure for all kinds of commissioners: at the beginning mostly educational editing companies, lately more and more companies working on other fields, like editors of illustrated children books. Eefje specializes in illustrations for children. She lives in Breda with her husband, son Guus, daughter Fien and dog Jip.

"This story offers one child's particular experience of "garden to table" and may inspire other youngsters to try the same. Gratifying." -- Kirkus Reviews "Especially notable." -- Booklist "A delightful story that will teach children about love, patience, and perseverance! I highly recommend!" -- SoCalCityKids.com "This book is a very cute introduction to gardening and showing kids the process of growing something from start to finish." -- Keri Gould, librarian, Fairfax County Library "This garden-to-table story teaches children about patience, love, and perseverance." -- KARE TV, Minneapolis, MN "A simple story that opens up children's eyes to one of nature's smallest and at the same time biggest wonders." - Children's and Teen Book Connections "A great story of patience and perseverance."-- Amber Webb, educator "The theme of this book is Dream Big, but it could also be Patience is Rewarded, or From Garden to Table. It's a simple, lovely story...The drawings are beautiful....If you live in the city, or if your child is interested in gardening, be sure to pick up a copy of this book." -- Jo Shackman, reviewer "A cute story to read with kids who might be working on a garden with their parents as well as to teach children where food comes from....A great book for a family library or a classroom or school." -- Carla Johnson-Hicks, elementary school educator "A great book to get kids excited about gardening and teach them about where food comes from and the slow, joyful process of growing it." -- Jane Gemmell, bookseller