SWEET, SWEET FIG BANANA

Soto plants a banana shoot by his home in the Virgin Islands and oversees its growth; the development of the fruit is watched not only by the boy, but by tree rats and thrushees as well. When the fig bananas are ripe, Soto's mother takes them to market to sell. This implies a further threat to Soto's bananas, one that is quickly defused when Soto is allowed to give some to his friends- -the hatmaker, the fraico man, and the local librarian—all of whom have been kind to him. Gershator (Sambalena Show-Off, 1995, etc.) pens a sweet, sweet tale; newcomer Millevoix's primitive illustrations are rough but decorative, enhancing the story's exotic setting. (Picture book. 4-7)