BENJI & THE 24 POUND BANANA SQUASH

In This Charming, Garden-to-Table Story, A Very Determined Benji Learns How To Grow The Biggest Banana Squash Ever

Have you ever wanted to achieve something so much that you were willing to dedicate yourself to a project for months on end?  That’s what Benji did when he decided to grow the world’s biggest squash in BENJI & THE 24 POUND BANANA SQUASH by bestselling author Alan C. Fox with illustrations by Eefje Kuijl.  This garden-to-table story teaches children about patience, love, and perseverance.

It all begins when Benji plants the squash seeds that he saved from the summer before, way in the back of the garden.  He carefully nurtures and waters them, but for awhile, nothing happens.  Then suddenly one day, the tiny sprouts start pushing through the soil and Benji begins to see his hard work pay off.  He continues to care for his plants – and they grow big and strong.  When the first gigantic banana squash is ready to be harvested, he picks it and struggles to carry it into the house.  His dad weighs the squash – 24 pounds! – and takes a picture of Benji holding his king-size vegetable.  But the best part comes when Benji’s mom cooks the squash with butter and brown sugar, so everyone in the family can gather and enjoy a delicious feast.

“Like all of my books for adults, BENJI & THE 24 POUND BANANA SQUASH is based on a real-life event that happened when I was eight.  I decided to tell the story, because I wanted to share the joy I experienced when I grew – what I thought was – the world’s biggest banana squash,” explains Fox.  “I hope his book will inspire children and show them the value of patience and perseverance as well as the pleasures of growing their own fruits and vegetables to share with family and friends.”

BENJI & THE 24 POUND BANANA SQUASH is the first in a series of children’s books by Alan C. Fox.
It is illustrated by Eefje Kuijl, a graduate of the School of the Arts Utrech, who is based in The Netherlands.