The Banana Farm


Children - Grade K-3rd
40 Pages
Reviewed on 08/02/2022
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Author Biography

I love writing children’s stories, probably because that’s how my brain works. I think refusing to grow up is absolutely the way to go. One day I was thinking about spending time with my Granddaddy and the talks we used to have when I was a little boy. He would tell me all kinds of stories about growing up and what the world was like when he was a boy. He talked about having to work to help out his family and I began to wonder how a small boy could possibly do that. One thing led to another in my fevered brain, and slowly The Banana Farm took shape. Writing is only part of what of I do. In my adult job, I am Professor of Counseling at Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia. I have been a counselor for a long time and have worked in hospitals, agencies, and private practice. Now I teach and train the next generation of counselors, which I have done since 1991. I encourage them not to grow up either.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite

The Banana Farm, a tale of trust and loving sacrifice by David Lane, is an enjoyable picture book for young children. One day, a grandpa tells his grandson Luke all about how his farm came to be and why it was called The Banana Farm when it didn’t grow any bananas. Grandpa tells Luke all about the hardships his family suffered through the Great Depression. The boy’s grandpa goes on to explain how he tried to help his family and save the farm, but how it also landed him in a bit of trouble. Luke learns an important lesson from his grandpa that will shape the man he will grow up to be. Grab a copy to enjoy Grandpa’s story and to find out what lesson Luke learned.

The storyline of The Banana Farm pulled at my heartstrings from the very first page. I was already enjoying the book, and then out of nowhere, it got even better! I loved the story of how the farm got its name and it made me tear up a little. Children are going to love the dynamic of the grandpa and grandson spending time together, and may even relate to them, as it could potentially strengthen their bond with their grandparents. Not only does this book entertain the reader, but it also teaches an important lesson that I will leave for readers to discover for themselves. The illustrations by Caleb McBee are adorable and bring the characters to life. I loved every page of this wonderful book and I hope to see more from David Lane soon. Good luck and keep writing.