Banana Beer

Carrick, Carol

ISBN 10: 0807505684 ISBN 13: 9780807505687

Publisher: Concept Books, 1995

Synopsis

The story of Charlie the orangutan and his father, whose constant thirst for banana beer upsets their family life despite his love for his son, is designed to offer comfort to children in families confronted by alcoholism.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 3?Charlie's father drinks too much. His parents are quarrelsome and irritable, and Charlie begins to blame himself: "Maybe Dad wouldn't drink so much if I was a better boy." One day his frustration over his troubled home life flares up and he confides in his kindly teacher. Later, he eats dinner with a friend and her loving family and wishes he could stay with them. When his father picks him up, though, he knows that his dad loves him. He continues to hope that things will return to the way they were before the drinking became such a problem. A final note explains that many families suffer from similar situations and that there are support groups for them. The complex issues of alcoholism and its effects on the abuser's loved ones are thoughtfully handled, and Carrick does a fine job of presenting Charlie's feelings. Apple's lively, colored-pencil drawings of the anthropomorphic orangutan characters balance out the poignancy of the text. Although it can be read independently, the book is better suited to sharing with adults as it's sure to prompt questions and discussion.?Marilyn Taniguchi, Santa Monica Public Library, CA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Concept Books
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0807505684
• ISBN 13: 9780807505687
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 1
• Illustrator: Apple Margot