Bravo, Avocado!: A Heartwarming and Pun-Filled Picture Book About Self-Discovery for Children

by Chana Stiefel, Anna Süßbauer (Illustrator)

“­An enjoyable story about friendship and positive self-image, this is one to consider for picture book collections.” — School Library Journal

Avocado longs to be Today’s Special in this vibrant, pun-filled picture book by Chana Stiefel and Anna Süßbauer about self-discovery and the value of uplifting your friends.

Avocado wants to stand out, but nothing seems to be working. With the help of her friends, she self-reflects and discovers that all along she was special. This social emotional learning story will help young readers to develop relationship skills and self-awareness. Perfect for fans of Dragons Love Tacos and The Food Group stories.

It’s a delightful day at the Farmer’s Market. Zesty limes! Juicy peaches! Sweet corn! But Avocado has a pit in her stomach. She longs to be Today’s Special.

Strolling through the aisles, Avocado asks her farm-fresh friends to help her discover what makes her stand out. Tomato offers to teach her salsa. Pumpkin proposes funny faces. Garlic suggests she add some zing! Nothing seems to work until—Ding ding!—the bright and shiny Toaster inspires Avocado to reflect more deeply.

Chana Stiefel’s heartwarming text blends with Anna Süßbauer’s eye-popping illustrations spark sweet and meaningful conversations about self-discovery and friendship.

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Childrens, Fiction, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 28, 2023

About the author

Chana Stiefel is the author of more than 30 books for children, both fiction and nonfiction. Her recent picture book, THE TOWER OF LIFE: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs (illus. Susan Gal, Scholastic), received many honors including the 2023 Sydney Taylor Book Award, a Robert F. Sibert Honor, the Margaret Wise Brown Prize, the Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children's Literature & SCBWI's Inaugural Robert Freedman Nonfiction Award for a Better World. Her next book is LET'S FLY: Barrington Irving's Record-Breaking Flight Around the World (co-written with Barrington Irving, illus. by Shamar Knight-Justice, Dial/PRH, 1-14-25). Other recent nonfiction titles include LET LIBERTY RISE! How America's Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty, illustrated by Chuck Groenink (Scholastic), and ANIMAL ZOMBIES! AND OTHER BLOODSUCKING BEASTS, CREEPY CRITTERS, AND REAL-LIFE MONSTERS (NatGeoKids). Chana's humorous fiction picture books include BRAVO AVOCADO (HarperCollins), MENDEL'S HANUKKAH MESS UP (Kalaniot), DADDY DEPOT (Feiwel & Friends) & MY NAME IS WAKAWAKLOCH (HMH). Chana is represented by agent Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary.

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo Avocado is a very punny book that will bring either a smile &/or laugh to the young or young-at-heart. It demonstrates that everyone has something unique about them. It does not hurt to have friends to support and encourage you while you discover your uniqueness. The illustrations are delightful!

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super punny, adorable illustrations, and a heartwarming story about self-worth. So much to love!

(I was able to review this book before its publication date because I had an ARC.)

[Carrie Finison · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the farmer's market, Avocado wants to be "today's special" and tries to figure out what sets her apart from other fruits and veggies and makes her unique. I laughed out loud several times at the puns and wordplay in this book, which added a ton of humor and were not above a child reader's ability to grasp, as can sometimes happen. Most of all, I loved the sweet heart of the story. Maybe I'm a little soft inside, just like Avocado! Playful illustrations and expressive faces on the characters by Anna Sufbauer help bring the story to life and make this book extra special.

[Abi Cushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and heartwarming story about an avocado trying to figure out what makes her special. The text is chock full of clever food-based puns. Kids will not only love the fun story, they may even learn about some new foods to try. And if you want to have a food-themed story hour, I think it would be great to pair with Fruit Bowl.

[Kirsten Pendreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love fun and puns, (and farmer’s markets!) step on up for this adorable story about a cute little avocado who just wants to be special. With help from her wonderful fruit and vegetable friends (plus one shiny toaster) Avocado realizes her dream and spreads more kindness to others! Yummy fun! Bravo!

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and punny. Too old for toddlers, though.

[Michal Babay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chana Stiefel has created another fabulous story! With clever, adorable illustrations by Anna Süßbauer and pun-filled humor throughout, this book is a true guac-star! Grab a copy for your home library, school library, and public library. Everyone will love this little green guy!

[Ronni Diamondstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo Avocado is pure delight! Poor little Avocado wants to be a "Special" at the Farmers Market and goes in search of what can make her so. She ultimately discovers that she has everything inside her! Chana Stiefel's funny, punny, lyrical text with bright, colorful illustrations by Anna Suessbauer, will inspire self-esteem to all readers! Highly recommend.

[Shireen Hakim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminiscent of the Food Group series. A cute book, except come on we're talking about mushing the avocado's 🥑 insides onto toast.

[Olivia]

BRAVO, AVOCADO! is a cute picture book about self-confidence and finding your talents. Avocado really wants to be the special of the day, but she can't seem to find what makes her stand-out. She asks the other foods for help in figuring it out, but the things they suggest don't seem quite right. It is only upon reflection that Avocado realizes all the great things she already is.

What I loved: This is a really cute and fluffy story with plenty of food-related puns to make little ones giggle. The story moves quickly with suggestions from friends being offered and rejected as Avocado tries them out. Detailed illustrations and adorable, anthropomorphized foods will appeal to young readers with all their color and special flair. The ultimate messages of self-confidence and finding your own ways to shine were great for the intended age group and come across well.

Final verdict: BRAVO, AVOCADO is a charming picture book that will appeal to preschool and young elementary school readers with its sweet message, colorful images, and adorable characters.

Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Autumn Corbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo, Avocado is a picture story book intended for children ages 4-8 years old. Bravo, Avocado is about an Avocado who goes on an adventure for self discovery and acceptance. Avocado feels as if she isn't good enough compared to sweeter fruits or more versatile vegetables. Avocado always feels as though she isn't great just by herself until she gets encouraged and uplifted by her friends. This book has great illustrations that are super fun and easy to follow. I especially loved how each fruit and vegetable had their own certain personalities. I think this book shares a great message about how positivity can help others and how to see the good in one's self. This was a great read that I would recommend to anyone!

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

I think I might have liked this better if I hadn't previously read/listened to Avocado Asks: What Am I? like 30 times (it was a Black Eyed Susan nominee last year) because I kept comparing the two.
This one has lots of fun food puns (just like Avocado Asks) and a message about loving yourself/being yourself (just like Avocado Asks).
I did enjoy the toaster acting like a mirror. I totally thought the author was going with an avocado toast thing.

[Kathy Temean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo to Chana and Anna for creating such a clever heartwarming book. I love the funny puns and play on words. Anna's vegetable characters are so cute and loveable that children and parents will adore this fun book. Avocado is sure to help young children think about their own self-worth and what is special about themselves. The  combination of a great story and art is sure to keep the reader laughing and turning every page to the end. Nice touch adding a guacamole recipe ay the end. Can't wait to try it. Good luck with the book!

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for my five-year-old grandson to come back from vacation so I can show him BRAVO AVOCADO. The author, Chana Stiefel, does a great job of making the adult laugh with all the puns, while young kids will love the silly story about an avocado who wants to be Today's Special. With the help of his produce friends figures out he's been special all along. His friends' reviews of the book say it all:
"A really big dill!" - Pickle
"I laughed, I cried" - Onion
"Mushy but di-vine" - Tomato

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable! Lots of vegetable humor (make sure to check out the funny endorsements!!) Kids and adults will smile and laugh. But most importantly, this clever picture book has a beautiful message of seeing yourself as “special” for being just the way you are. This is a great book for both the classroom and home with lots of opportunities to introduce and try different vegetables and appreciate everyone’s uniqueness! Highly recommend!

[Judy Sobanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo, Avocado is a fun read aloud that follows the journey of Avocado as she tries to discover what makes her as special as her friends. Her friends do their best to help but it's only when Avocado looks deeply at herself that she realizes that she's actually amazing! Filled with puns and heartwarming text, Chana Stiefel shares positive messages of encouragement, self esteem, and friendship. Anna SüBbauer's colorful and cheerful illustrations bring Avocado and friends to life.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Avocado wants to be a special at the farmers’ market but doesn’t know what makes her special.

Avocado wants to be a Today's Special at the farmers' market like the other produce she sees, but she doesn't know what is special about her, so she goes around asking the other fruits and vegetables. Finally, with the help of the toaster accompanying the artisan breads, Avocado is able to see her special qualities.

This picture book contains the classic American moral that everyone is special in his or her own way.

[Anita Crawford Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start I fell in love with Avocado and all the cool, creative play on words. Pickle is 100% on point. It is "A really big dill" and it had me trying to come up with my own a play on words. I could see kids having a blast trying to do the same. The vibrant illustrations bring it all together in this fun-filled tale of worthiness and seeing the best in others.

[Lana Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avocado wants to be Today's Special. The other vegetables try to help, but it's Toaster who shows her she already is special, because of what's inside.

Cute story with bright illustrations.

Humor 101 Book
Type of Humor - Pun
usually has more to do with silly or humorous double meanings

[Rachelle Burk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, punny, and relatable

The story follows Avocado as she embarks on a humorous journey to discover what makes her special. Filled with vibrant illustrations and clever food puns (I love puns, and so do kids!). Stiefel's writing is both charming and relatable, making it an enjoyable read for children and adults alike.

[Solange Guillen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, uplifting tale about an avocado on a journey to discover its self-worth. Feeling out of place, it learns that being different is what makes it special. With charming illustrations and a powerful message of self-acceptance, this book is a joyful reminder that everyone belongs—just as they are.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo, Avocado! Chana Stiefel & Anna Süßbauer is the story of an avocado’s search to find self worth! I loved that his funny, punny journey was packed with encouragement from his friends! 🥑

And what impressive reviews from some of the toughest food critics around! 🫒🍅🧅

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing Avocado does to make her stand out and look special seems to work, but with a little the help from her friends, she self-reflects and discovers that all along she was special. A punny story about self-discovery and frienship.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puns abound in this playful romp through the farmer's market. Avocado struggles with self-confidence until his friends help him see what makes him uniquely special. The colorful and kid-friendly illustrations bring this fun story to life.

[Kami Mauldin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very bright and colorful! The quirky jokes are lost on kids but I giggled many times as I read to my toddler. Highly recommend for reading to toddlers! Great for teaching kids about other vegetables they may not be familiar with.

[Tiffany S · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a special day, the farmers' market, and that's a chance for little avocado to shine. But avocado doesn't know what will make her stand out, and with help from her friends, she discovers what makes her special.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

An avocado at the grocery store wants to be today's special. She goes around to the other vegetables asking how to become special. I liked when the tomato was teaching her how to salsa. Funny produce puns abound. I felt the theme was a little too deep for a book about vegetables.

[Alison Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this, I thought it had the good message of everyone being important and bringing something needed to the table. I think this would be a cute book to demonstrate everyone's uniqueness and importance.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of puns. It's all fun and games until the veggies are devoured. They are pretty cheerful about it.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the illustrations but was hoping for a simpler text for toddlers/preK.

Themes: avocadoes, vegetables; helping others, community
Ages: K-3rd grade
Pub year: 2023