Milo Goes Bananas Book Review: A Monkey Story About Moderation
Marcus Pfister's picture book about Milo, a mischievous monkey who finds a banana tree and learns that too much of a good thing has consequences.
Every parent has watched a child find something they love and refuse to stop: one more biscuit, one more cartoon, one more banana. Milo the monkey is that child, and his story is a gentle way to talk about it.
This Milo Goes Bananas book review covers Marcus Pfister's jungle picture book: the story, the characters, the pictures and what children take away from it.
The short answer Milo Goes Bananas is a children's picture book by Marcus Pfister. Milo, a mischievous monkey, finds a banana tree deep in the jungle and eats to his heart's content, then learns that too much of a good thing has consequences. It celebrates curiosity and friendship and gently teaches moderation.

ISBN: 9781789584516
Milo Goes Bananas book review: the story
Milo is a mischievous monkey with a love for adventure and, of course, bananas.
When he discovers a banana tree deep in the jungle, he cannot resist tasting the fruit. He feasts and feasts.
Soon he learns that too much of a good thing can lead to unexpected consequences. The story celebrates curiosity, friendship and the joy of discovery.
The characters
- Milo: the playful, curious hero, a lovable monkey with a weakness for bananas.
- Jungle friends: a colourful cast of animals, including parrots, snakes and butterflies, who join Milo on his adventure.
Why families enjoy it
Endearing characters, a playful storyline and beautiful artwork have made it popular with children and families.
Marcus Pfister's storytelling and expressive pictures invite young readers to follow Milo through the lush jungle. Its themes of friendship, curiosity and self-discovery encourage children to explore and try new things, which makes it a favourite at storytime.
Illustrations and format
The pictures are bright and full of detail: lush leaves, jungle animals and playful scenes on every page.
Expressive characters and lively compositions capture the energy of Milo's adventures. The book has a large format and sturdy pages, which makes it easy to share aloud.
How it helps children's development
Milo Goes Bananas book for kids learning self-control
- Curiosity and discovery: the story encourages exploring and a love of nature.
- Empathy and problem-solving: children follow Milo's choices and see what happens next.
- Values: friendship, sharing and moderation, with simple lessons about responsibility and self-control.
Read-aloud tip Before Milo starts his feast, ask your child, "How many bananas is too many?" Then read on and see if they were right. It makes the lesson theirs, not yours.
About the author and illustrator, Marcus Pfister
Marcus Pfister is an author and illustrator known for imaginative, heartwarming children's books. His distinctive style and storytelling create worlds that young readers love to return to.
Similar books
- "Curious George" by H.A. Rey
- "Chimpanzees for Tea!" by Jo Empson
- "Monkey Puzzle" by Julia Donaldson
Gift it right: Milo Goes Bananas as a birthday gift
A funny animal story with a lesson tucked inside is one of the easier books as birthday gifts for kids, and the sturdy pages mean it will survive many readings. Add an animal name label inside the cover and a name sticker on the wrapping.
See all personalised book labels, or browse our gifts for kids to pair the book with something more.
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Frequently asked questions
Who wrote Milo Goes Bananas?
Marcus Pfister wrote and illustrated it.
What is the lesson in Milo Goes Bananas?
Too much of a good thing can lead to unexpected consequences. The book gently teaches moderation, sharing and self-control.
What age is Milo Goes Bananas for?
It is a picture book for readers of all ages, with a large format and sturdy pages made for reading aloud.
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