The Adventures of Keeno & Ernest

The Banana Tree

Children - Fable
26 Pages
Reviewed on 03/13/2013
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Anastacia Hawkins for Readers' Favorite

"The Adventures of Keeno and Ernest: The Banana Tree” by Maggie van Galen is a cautionary tale about the importance of following rules. Keeno is a mischievous monkey who craves adventure. Ernest is a wise young elephant, and Keeno’s best friend. When Keeno tries to persuade Ernest to cross the river with him in order to eat the yummy, yellow bananas he has spotted, responsible Ernest reminds Keeno that their parents told them never to cross the river without an adult. Besides, they have a banana tree on their side of the river with perfectly nice bananas on it. I am sure you can guess that Keeno does not listen to Ernest’s wise advice. When Keeno inevitably finds himself in danger, his good friend Ernest, with the help of Toucan Tom, is there to save him.

“The Banana Tree” is a colorfully illustrated story with vivid characters and an adventure meant to teach children the dangers of not following the rules their parents set for them. However, when Keeno gets into trouble on the river, Ernest does not seek the help of an adult, but instead puts himself into danger as well in order to save his friend. Keeno does learn that the bananas on his side of the river are just as yummy as the bananas across the river, and promises not to get into any more trouble; and is then rewarded with a banana cream pie. Hopefully parents will use this as an illustration of poor choices. Young children will enjoy the illustrations, the adventure, and the heroic rescue.