Few children’s characters have a catchphrase as catchy as “NEE NAW! NEE NAW! I’m a little fire engine.” That’s the voice of Nee Naw, the pint-sized hero of a New Zealand book-and-song series that has toddlers chanting along before they can tie their shoes. Published by Scholastic New Zealand (national library record), this third adventure turns a banana-truck crash into a lesson in creative problem-solving.

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Artist: Mr Yipadee (Deano Yipadee) · Release year: 2020 · Format: Song, book with CD · Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand · Platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Google Books

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact chord progression (not published by the artist)
  • Whether a music video was officially released beyond the lyric video
  • If the book is still in print internationally
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Fourth Nee Naw book reportedly in development (no official date)
  • Continued streaming popularity could lead to an animated series

Four core facts that define this project: the artist, the release date, the format, and the platforms where families can access it.

Artist Mr Yipadee (Deano Yipadee)
Release year 2020
Format Song, picture book with CD
Publisher Scholastic New Zealand (National Library of New Zealand)
Illustrator Paul Beavis (YouTube credits)
Duration ~3 minutes (Apple Music)
Genre Children’s music
Platforms Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Google Books
Book series Nee Naw series (third book according to Google Books)

What is the song “Nee Naw Goes Bananas” about?

Plot summary

  • Nee Naw is a little fire engine who feels left out because bigger, newer engines won’t let him play (YouTube story narrative).
  • A banana truck crashes into a monkey sanctuary wall, freeing the monkeys and hurting the driver (YouTube).
  • Nee Naw arrives and solves the problem by using a banana smoothie to patch things up (Google Books snippet).
The upshot

While the plot sounds absurd, it’s a clever emotional arc: the underdog vehicle proves that small can still save the day. For toddlers, the banana-smoothie fix is both silly and memorable – exactly the kind of concrete problem-solving that sticks.

Main characters

  • Nee Naw – the anthropomorphic fire engine and protagonist
  • Granny – calls Nee Naw for help
  • Monkeys – escapees from the sanctuary
  • Banana truck driver – gets a bandage “for his bum” (Google Books)

The implication: Nee Naw’s adventure is really about resilience and using what you have – even a banana smoothie – to solve unexpected problems.

Who wrote and performed “Nee Naw Goes Bananas”?

Credits

  • Artist: Mr Yipadee (Deano Yipadee) – songwriter and performer (Spotify)
  • Illustrator: Paul Beavis (YouTube)
  • Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand (National Library of New Zealand)

Related works by Deano Yipadee

  • Nee Naw and the Cowtastrophe (second book in series)
  • Nee Naw Goes Bananas (third book)
  • Other children’s songs on Spotify under the moniker Mr Yipadee

What this means: Deano Yipadee is building a small universe around a fire-engine character, and each release reinforces the same core values – silliness, empathy, and creative thinking. For parents, that consistency is a trust signal.

Where can I listen to “Nee Naw Goes Bananas”?

Spotify

  • Two versions available: the standard track and a nursery-rhyme remix (Spotify)

Apple Music

  • Single released in 2020, duration 3 minutes (Apple Music)

Amazon Music

  • Available as part of the full album (Nee Naw series)

Book + CD

  • Hardcover picture book that includes a CD with the song (National Library of New Zealand)
  • Listed on Google Books and sold through major retailers

Although streaming is convenient, the physical book+CD remains the best format for car rides and screen-free play – a distinction that matters for New Zealand families looking to reduce screen time.

What are the lyrics and chords to “Nee Naw Goes Bananas”?

Lyrics excerpt

“NEE NAW! NEE NAW! I’m a little fire engine
NEE NAW! NEE NAW! I’m happy I’m me.”

– Mr Yipadee, YouTube (official song)

The full lyrics include a call from Granny, the banana-truck crash, and the smoothie solution. A complete transcript is available on the YouTube closed captions.

Chord progression

  • No official chord chart has been published; however, cover versions on YouTube suggest a simple I–IV–V progression in C major.
  • Third-party tutorial videos offer basic guitar and ukulele chords.
What to watch

Because the artist hasn’t released an official chord sheet, any online transcription is user-generated and may vary. Parents who want to play along should verify against the recording’s key (likely C major) to stay accurate.

The lack of official chord resources limits classroom use, but the simple structure makes it easy for early learners to pick up by ear.

What we know and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Song performed by Mr Yipadee – confirmed by Spotify and Apple Music
  • Book published by Scholastic New Zealand – National Library of New Zealand
  • Release date: 2020 – Apple Music
  • Format includes CD – National Library of New Zealand

What remains unclear

  • Official chord progression – not published by artist
  • Whether the book is still in print outside New Zealand
  • Exact sales figures or streaming numbers

Given the low research confidence around retail data, we treat the series position and availability claims as provisional. The core facts about the song and book, however, are well-documented by government library records.

Quotes and voices

“The monkeys escaped, and the driver felt glum, until Nee Naw arrived with a bandage for his bum.”

– Google Books summary, Google Books

“NEE NAW! NEE NAW! I’m a little fire engine … I’m happy I’m me.”

– Official song lyrics, YouTube

These two voices – the publisher’s summary and the song itself – frame Nee Naw as both a comedic and empowering figure. The bandage-on-the-bum line is the kind of silly detail 3‑year‑olds love, while the self‑affirmation “happy I’m me” gives parents a teachable moment.

Bottom line: Nee Naw Goes Bananas is exactly what it says – a goofy, heartwarming song-book combo that uses a banana smoothie to teach problem-solving. For New Zealand parents seeking upbeat, educational content: the book+CD is a solid investment. For international streamers: the Spotify version offers the same fun without shipping costs.
Additional sources

youtube.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, natlib.govt.nz

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is “Nee Naw Goes Bananas” suitable for toddlers?

Yes. The language is simple, the story is slapstick, and the song is repetitive – ideal for 2–4 year olds. No scary scenes.

Does the book include a CD?

Yes. The hardcover edition published by Scholastic New Zealand includes a CD with the song (National Library of New Zealand).

What instruments are used in the song?

The recording features ukulele, drum machine, and vocal harmonies – common in modern children’s music.

How many Nee Naw books are there?

At least three: the original debut, Nee Naw and the Cowtastrophe, and Nee Naw Goes Bananas. A fourth is reportedly in development.

Where is Deano Yipadee from?

He is a New Zealand‑based children’s entertainer and author, based in Auckland.

Related reading

Nee Naw Goes Bananas succeeds because it takes a simple premise – a little fire engine saving the day with fruit – and wraps it in a catchy tune that toddlers can’t resist. For New Zealand parents looking for engaging, problem-solving children’s content, the choice is clear: pick up the book and song, or miss out on a fun lesson in creativity.