This is an interview about Let’s Go Bananas: A Hilarious Monkey Book for Kids, with a Fun Sing-Along Refrain, presented in partnership* with Bradford Wilkins and The Children’s Book Review.
In this interview, children’s book author Bradford Wilkins shares the inspiration behind his delightful new picture book, Let’s Go Bananas: A Hilarious Monkey Book for Kids, with a Fun Sing-Along Refrain. The book features a singing banana and two adventurous monkeys. Wilkins reveals how the story originated from a song he wrote over 25 years ago that became a favorite with the kids in his life.
Drawing from his own experiences and his children’s vivid imaginations, Wilkins crafted a story that takes readers on a wild journey through the jungle. He collaborated closely with illustrator Cesar Lista to bring the tale to life with vibrant, engaging artwork. Wilkins discusses the challenges he faced and lessons learned as a first-time author, as well as how his kids Jonah and Gabi influenced the story. He also shares why proceeds from the book are being donated to UCP of Central Florida, an organization close to his heart.
With catchy songs and endearing characters, Let’s Go Bananas! encourages kids to embrace creativity and join in the fun. Wilkins hints there may be more adventures to come from this musically inclined cast if the book resonates with readers.
Bianca Schulze: What inspired you to write a children’s book about singing bananas? Is there a personal story behind this quirky idea?
Bradford Wilkins (BW): The book is based on the song “Let’s Go Bananas” that I wrote for my middle school talent show over 25 years ago. The song stuck with me, and I sang it to kids whenever I could—whether I was volunteering or with my nieces and nephews. Eventually, it became a favorite with my own children.
The last couple of years have been tough. My sister passed away from colon cancer at 36, my grandmother, who was like a second mom to me, died at 98, and my wife asked for a divorce. To escape from all that, I dove deeper into the world of the singing banana, having creative sessions with my kids and their classmates. Writing poetry and music has always been my passion, so once the story took shape, it was fun and cathartic!
Initially, the story had only one monkey, but since I have two monkeys (my kids, Jonah and Gabi), I added a second one to make the story more universal. This addition elevated the story to the next level.
I love reading out loud to my kids’ classes, but I struggled to find fun books that captured their attention. So, I set out to create something that both parents and teachers could enjoy reading to children.
The story takes the reader on a wild adventure through the jungle. Did you draw from any personal experiences or travels when creating the setting and characters?
BW: No, quite the opposite! I tapped into kids’ imaginations, which have far fewer limits than ours, to make the magic come to life.
What message or lesson do you hope young readers will take away from this story about embracing creativity and joining in the fun?
BW: Kids, and even adults, often hear “no” and “don’t,” which can make them miss out on experiences. There’s also an element of joining in with someone. In 5th grade, I moved to Orlando, Florida, with only two weeks left in school. Making new friends was tough, but those who reached out to me made a big difference. All I wanted to do was sing!
The book’s catchy song, Let’s Go Bananas, is a key part of the story. Tell us about creating an audio version of the song to accompany the book.
BW: I worked with an incredibly talented composer, Joe, who took my vocals and orchestrated them. Originally, we recorded just one verse. But when I played it for my kids and their friends, they were instantly hooked, so we expanded it to a 60-second version. One day, I might record the entire song, but for now, it’s super catchy, and I couldn’t be happier.
The illustrations by Cesar Lista are vibrant and engaging. How closely did you collaborate with the illustrator to bring your story to life?
BW: We collaborated a lot, but it was more about giving him permission and challenging him to go further. I encouraged him to add more colors and surprises for the reader. I wanted a book that could engage both a 3-year-old and a rising 2nd grader. He created the world, and then we worked on configuring the layout to fit the story. Sometimes this meant editing the story to fit his artwork, and sometimes he adjusted his illustrations.
As a first-time author, what challenges did you face during the writing and publishing process, and how did you overcome them?
BW: I was lucky to have a team: my illustrator, my editor Rebecca, and my layout designer Saleh. I also had three actor friends read the story aloud at various points so I could hear it through different voices. This helped me work through rhymes and patterns. I also read the story to my kids’ school classes to see what worked and didn’t.
The first draft of the story is maybe 30% the same as the final version. We edited out things that didn’t move the story forward, including subplots and clever wordplays I loved but didn’t fit. It was challenging but necessary. By the end, when my editor said, “You’re changing for change’s sake,” I knew it was ready.
In your dedication, you mentioned several people who nurtured your creativity. How did their guidance shape your path as a writer, and what advice would you give to aspiring children’s book authors?
BW: In the spirit of Nike, just do it! I had thought about turning this song into a children’s book for a long time. Personal tragedies and having kids of my own to gift this book to pushed me over the edge. Maybe this was the right time, and it wasn’t before.
I advise getting as many collaborators as possible but remember that it’s your book and your story. You can take feedback and incorporate some, and leave others.
You dedicated the book to your favorite monkeys, Jonah and Gabi. Can you tell us more about them and how they influenced your writing?
BW: Covered this a lot above but there are so many elements of the book and story that come from their little brains. Starting of course with the idea that there are two monkeys whereas the original song only had one. Having them going on an adventure together made it much more fun and introduced another voice into the story.
I can assure you my original version never had unicorns or dragons. Their favorite animal at the zoo is a meerkat so that made it into the book. My son loves the TV show “Blaze and the Monster Machine” who uses “blazing speed” so that is in the book. My daughter’s class was called the “Bear Cubs” and my son’s was called the “Frogs” so both those animals are in there. There are just so many homages like that.
The book’s proceeds support the children at UCP of Central Florida. Why did you choose this organization, and how do you hope your book will make a difference in their lives?
BW: My mom has been the CEO of this incredible organization for 25 years, helping thousands of kids with and without disabilities. As a teenager, I volunteered with the kids and have stayed involved from afar. The impact they’ve had on tens of thousands of kids is inspiring. I wrote this book out of love, not for huge profits. Directing the proceeds to this cause makes it even more special.
Can we expect more adventures from the singing banana or other musically inclined fruits in the future? Are you working on any new projects?
BW: My son asked for a coloring book, so I’m working on that with Cesar. There are lots of directions we could go with so many characters. The two monkeys could have more adventures, or we could explore where the singing banana came from and where he goes next. Let’s see if readers enjoy the story enough to warrant more adventures!
About the Book
Let’s Go Bananas: A Hilarious Monkey Book for Kids, with a Fun Sing-Along Refrain
Written by Bradford Wilkins
Illustrated by Cesar Lista
Ages 3-9
Publisher’s Synopsis: Did you know that bananas can sing?
Pretty soon you and your kids will be singing “Let’s go BA-NA-NAS! as you embark on this hysterical rhyming jungle adventure, with two cute monkeys, who were just minding their own business, swinging in their favorite trees, when all of a sudden… a SINGING BANANA appears!
As the little monkeys try to escape the ‘Let’s go BA-NA-NAS!’ echoing behind them, they swing by all kinds of awesome jungle animals – roaring lions, rainbow zebras, humongous elephants, and even some more exotic friends, like unicorns and dragons!
Let’s Go Bananas is a funny, interactive read aloud children’s book that brings the jungle to life with vibrant illustrations and a dynamic, rhythmic narrative. The story of the hilarious monkeys and their singing banana “friend” is perfect for any type of story time, and the book features a sing-along refrain that encourages laughter and joy. Plus, proceeds from sales of the book will benefit the inspiring children at UCP of Central Florida. So, join the fun and let’s go bananas together!
Buy the Book
About the Author
Bradford Wilkins lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his two playful children, Jonah and Gabi, whom he affectionately calls his “monkeys.” From a young age, Bradford has been immersed in the arts, crafting songs and poetry. He graduated with a degree in Theater, concentrating on writing and directing, from the University of Maryland-College Park. Bradford continues to contribute to his alma mater, serving as a guest lecturer at both the School of Business and the School of Engineering.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Bradford is a seasoned Chief People Officer, renowned for pioneering Human Resources functions in a diverse array of fast-growing global companies. Presently, he serves as the Senior Partner of Talent and Performance at Braven Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to spearheading innovation in regulated industries.
Recognized as a leader in the HR space, Bradford has garnered numerous accolades including being named among the Top 100 HR Influencers by Engagedly, an HR Rising Star by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, one of the global Top 25 HR professionals under 40 by Workforce GameChanger, and a Top 100 Emerging Millennial Leader in “Back to Human.” His insights have been featured in Forbes, contributed to the book “Back to Human,” and showcased across various other publications.
Bradford also dedicates time as a varsity high school basketball referee in Georgia and advises the RefMasters training platform, shaping the next generation of referees.
He is also an active volunteer in the community including coaching his son’s basketball team and supporting children with developmental disabilities.
This interview—The Story Behind the Singing Banana: An Interview with ‘Let’s Go Bananas!’ Author Bradford Wilkins—was conducted between Bradford Wilkins and Bianca Schulze.
