William and I love Tony Bradman’s writing
I have especially loved the short historical fiction books
He has written for Barrington Stoke
Making his wonderful storytelling more accessible
For younger, reluctant and dyslexic readers

Operation Banana is a brilliant story
About Susan and her mother
Living in London in 1942
Surviving the dark days of the Second World War
Susan’s mum is struggling
They have not heard from Susan’s dad in a while
He is away serving in North Africa
Susan’s mum is finding her own war effort hard
She works long shifts in a factory
She made radio parts for Spitfires

This short story is packed with facts
And would be a wonderful way
To begin exploring life on the home front
With younger readers
As they follow Susan on her search
For a banana
A sweet, delicious banana
To make her mum smile

Operation Banana shows introduces young readers
To the timing of the Second World War
When it was and how long it lasted
Through the pages of this book
Little readers can learn about
Rationing and food shortages
What people ate during the war
The Black Market
Old and new money
BBC Radio News
Where British soldiers fought during the war
Who Britain’s allies and enemies were
Key battles, defeats and factories
The bombing of Canterbury and London
How tube stations were used as bomb shelters
What life was like in London during the war
The Blitz
School life during the war
Teachers coming out of retirement to run schools
As younger teachers were sent to fight in the war
Or help on The Home Front
Government advertising during the war
The importance of letters
How the love of family and friends was special
How Susan and her mum
And millions of people like them
Were just as important
As the soldiers in winning the war

Through this story
Children will be able to relate to
Susan and her best friend Jimmy
And they will be able to
Try to put themselves in their shoes
And imagine how life was
For those living in London in 1942

A stunning short story
Illustrated by Tania Rex
One to read for pleasure
And also a rich resource
For classrooms and home educators

Let Operation Banana commence!