Pete the Cat and the Bad Banana

Reach for this book when your child has had one bad experience and is now making a sweeping generalization, particularly regarding food. Whether it is a bruised piece of fruit or a lumpy bowl of oatmeal, children often develop a sudden, intense aversion based on a single negative encounter. Pete the Cat and the Bad Banana helps parents address the frustration of a yucky surprise and the subsequent refusal to try that food ever again. Through Pete's signature chill attitude, the story explores the concept of resilience and the courage it takes to give a favorite snack a second chance. It is an ideal choice for preschoolers and early elementary students who are navigating the ups and downs of picky eating and sensory sensitivities. Parents will appreciate how it normalizes the feeling of being grossed out while gently modeling a path back to a balanced perspective.